Balancing Care.

Before I continue my usual posting, discussing topics that feel so trivial during these times, I’d like to address the elephant in the room. While I don’t feel like sharing every action I take in order to support the Black Lives Matter movement is what matters most in creating actual change, I do know that I’m in a position where ignoring my acknowledgment can be misconstrued in an offensive or damaging way. I want to be very clear. I stand with Black people. I will not stop doing what I can to educate myself, donate and spread resources and I will never give up fighting for civil rights.


With that said, in order to be a valuable American citizen, I must also pay attention to my own mental health, my own progress and my own joy. While I am one of the lucky ones, who gets to choose when to fight against racism instead of experience it firsthand, it is important to prioritize what I tackle realistically. Put my oxygen mask on first so I am able to help others. Keep my head on straight so I can think and act most efficiently.


I believe in my blog. I believe sharing my processing and my handling of experiences in my life has the ability to inspire others. I am well aware of the focus and importance of the focus on the racism that exists within our country so we can be proactive in reforming the system. Before the protesting and the takeover of #blm on social media, we were midst a global pandemic. One that is still happening, whether it is our number one focus right now or not.


Most people have had to adjust to a new form of work. Some have lost their jobs completely and are dealing with the next steps in rebuilding their livelihood. Parents stuck at home with their children, teaching, entertaining, coping with their own stress. Recovering addicts battling claustrophobic walls. Loneliness, paranoia, worry, sadness, the list goes on. Life is HEAVY right now.


So while I tried to find a specific topic to magnify this week, what I came up with was balancing it all. I know how important it is to keep tabs on my meter. How far am I from my boiling point? What do I need to cool down and refresh? Level-headed fights a stronger, more efficient fight. Am I neglecting to take care of myself in my efforts to change the world?


So while I want to make room and highlight black voices right now the most, I also want to share my personal navigation through this powerful and intense time. Someone who is fighting for a cause that takes years of learning about. Someone who is trying to put herself in the shoes of so many different kinds of people. Someone who knows this fight is never ending and who won’t ever give up. If any of you reading this are like me, wondering if you can take a break to take care of yourself, my answer is yes. You should ALWAYS make sure you are taking care of your mental health. If you find yourself with time to wonder about that, you have a moment right now to take a deep breath, acknowledge your strength, and give yourself some time for peaceful reflection.


My favorite thing to do when I want to refresh my mind is to check All Trails for nearby hiking trails. Sometimes I spend time exploring new music. Taking a drive with no destination to enjoy those newfound songs. When my mind is having trouble calming down, I find my at-home workouts release that turbulence. Putting on light TV, something easy going that I can focus my attention on and momentarily set aside real life. When life feels like it’s squeezing you, I recommend seeking out some joy. Whatever you gotta do to feel replenished and more ready for action, and then continue fighting.

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