Feeling wobbly? Here’s how to stay strong.

The new year is in full swing.

We have made it through more of winter than what stands between us and spring warming.

And the world around us has been changing at great speed — and in many alarming ways — since January 20.

You may be feeling wobbly. You may feel able to stay steady. You may be looking ahead with trepidation or feel determined to stand strong. You may feel committed to take action. A mixture of all of the above may be in play for you.

One thing is clear: this will be a year unlike any in our memory. The events swirling around us will impact us personally and in our professional lives.

Importantly, the creative power we are each filled with can be directed as we choose. We can focus our creative power in a singular way or in multiple ways.

What are you choosing now?

A client of mine stood strong and advocated for just policies in her institution. She inspired the president to recommit to the diversity-based values of the institution.

Another client has just published a book that I anticipate will garner significant acclaim in the business world.

Other clients are supporting local causes and donating to organizations that are mounting legal actions that support threatened populations.

One client has offered to open her home to people who need temporary respite if they are in peril, and to women who have had to come to our state for abortion care that is unavailable where they live.

In each case, these remarkable women are choosing to contribute to a better world.

And, each is also focused on bringing joy into her life each day. They create in many ways that fill their spirits. They share generously with others. They stay present and inspired.

Pessimism is paralyzing

We each have an opportunity to make our choices. And when we choose and are committed we have agency.

Should you find yourself feeling frightened, discouraged, angry or hopeless, create in a way that moves the emotion through you (as I wrote about last week), and then make the choice to take action.

Start by supporting your spirit and wellbeing and do something that makes you happy. And consider doing something joyful and uplifting with others.

Joy is an antidote to despair.

Action is an antidote to despair.

Every small action is meaningful. 

Let’s save the world together

As we stay grounded and committed we have great power. My vision is of people everywhere finding creative ways to have a positive impact. 

Both the Talmud and the Quran teach us that when you save one life you save the world.

Support yourself, then do one thing to help someone else. (Check the Creators of Change page for ideas.)

Let’s start there.

New Opportunities to Support Democracy and Social Justice

Having just watched the formal transition to a new presidential administration, we find ourselves at a notable moment in the life of our nation. Since the election in November I have been anticipating this moment with great concern.

My belief is that no matter what is happening around us that causes us concern, we are always able to take action that aligns with our values and principles.

This moment has motivated me to find ways to have a positive impact.

I am glad to share two opportunities for you to join me if you, too, want to live in a nation where democracy thrives.

1. Become a Creator of Change

I have created a page on my website called Creators of Change. On that page you will find links to organizations focused on preserving our democracy in many ways.

Their missions include:

  • journalistic integrity

  • aid to immigrants

  • limiting discrimination

  • protecting the legal rights of those who will be targeted by the incoming administration

  • protecting the environment

  • protecting the rights of women, including reproductive rights, and ensuring healthcare access for people in this country and elsewhere in the world

  • working to end hunger

I intend for this to be a growing list of organizations, groups and individuals who are committed to making ours a just and caring country, and world, for all.

Please look at what is on the page now, and email me with your suggestions for other meaningful resources that we can choose to support — financially, or by volunteering, or making in-kind donations.

And please spread the world to like-minded people about this page of resources.

Together we can take meaningful action, stay informed and have an impact.

2. Read brilliant writing and do good 

Following the outcome of the election, my writing teacher, Leslie Berliant, decided to publish an anthology of select women writers. I am honored to have been asked to be a contributor to the collection of short stories, poems and essays titled Cassandra Speaks — Essays, Stories and Poems by Women Truth-tellers.

This book provided a way for each writer to channel grief, pain and rage, and is filled with moving, powerful work.

And, all proceeds of the sales of the book will be donated to organizations who support abortion access.

Order your copy, and order copies for others who want to read great work and do good, too.

Together we can create a better future.