Wow, this is such a powerful and deeply honest reflection. I can feel the weight of those past eight years and the exhaustion you’re talking about. It’s almost like we’ve all been running on fumes, trying to keep up with the chaos while also trying to protect our mental health. And you're so right — this time feels different. There’s a sense of weariness that’s been building up, and it’s not easy to just bounce back.
The way you describe self-care as self-preservation is spot on. I’ve definitely felt the same pressure to stay active, to keep fighting the good fight, but then also realize that if we burn out, we lose our ability to keep going. It’s like you can’t pour from an empty cup. The idea that self-care isn’t complacency, but a political act in itself, really struck me.
And the burnout prevention strategies you shared are so necessary right now. I’ve caught myself scrolling through the news at 2 a.m., getting caught in that cycle of doom, and it’s like I’m feeding the stress instead of managing it. Your advice about limiting news consumption and prioritizing rest is a wake-up call. I love that you made the connection between rest and resistance — it’s such an empowering way to look at it.
It’s tough, but finding those small moments of joy and holding on to our values feels like the key to keeping our spirits intact. It reminds me that even when the world feels chaotic, there’s still room for humanity, community, and, yes, some comfort food on the tough days. Thanks for sharing such an honest, insightful perspective. You've really given me a lot to think about, especially as I try to balance staying engaged with the world while taking care of myself.
Thank you very much for your comment, Mark! I appreciate it, and am glad some of my ideas resonated for you. Hope you're hanging in there.... the last few weeks have been especially rough for many of us.
Oh, it's not easy at all! I hope I didn't imply that it is... I struggle with that myself, and have for years. And as a therapist, I find that people usually find it more difficult to "go easy on" (aka be compassionate toward) themselves than other people... That challenge, and how to practice going easier one oneself, could be a long Substack essay of its own!
Thanks for reading my essay and commenting, Frankie!
Ah, Debbie, I wasn't accusing you of making it sound easy—everyone’s awkward at it. And I'll be the first to admit it. But, if you ever do turn this conversation into a Substack essay, know that I’ll be leaving a comment—probably something along the lines of, ‘Wow, reading this felt suspiciously familiar...." :)
I really appreciate your comment, because this is SUCH an important topic, it's sparking the idea of writing something up about this at some point. So thank you very much!
Wow, this is such a powerful and deeply honest reflection. I can feel the weight of those past eight years and the exhaustion you’re talking about. It’s almost like we’ve all been running on fumes, trying to keep up with the chaos while also trying to protect our mental health. And you're so right — this time feels different. There’s a sense of weariness that’s been building up, and it’s not easy to just bounce back.
The way you describe self-care as self-preservation is spot on. I’ve definitely felt the same pressure to stay active, to keep fighting the good fight, but then also realize that if we burn out, we lose our ability to keep going. It’s like you can’t pour from an empty cup. The idea that self-care isn’t complacency, but a political act in itself, really struck me.
And the burnout prevention strategies you shared are so necessary right now. I’ve caught myself scrolling through the news at 2 a.m., getting caught in that cycle of doom, and it’s like I’m feeding the stress instead of managing it. Your advice about limiting news consumption and prioritizing rest is a wake-up call. I love that you made the connection between rest and resistance — it’s such an empowering way to look at it.
It’s tough, but finding those small moments of joy and holding on to our values feels like the key to keeping our spirits intact. It reminds me that even when the world feels chaotic, there’s still room for humanity, community, and, yes, some comfort food on the tough days. Thanks for sharing such an honest, insightful perspective. You've really given me a lot to think about, especially as I try to balance staying engaged with the world while taking care of myself.
Thank you very much for your comment, Mark! I appreciate it, and am glad some of my ideas resonated for you. Hope you're hanging in there.... the last few weeks have been especially rough for many of us.
Always curious when I stumble upon that someone who says going easy on one’s self is easy…
Oh, it's not easy at all! I hope I didn't imply that it is... I struggle with that myself, and have for years. And as a therapist, I find that people usually find it more difficult to "go easy on" (aka be compassionate toward) themselves than other people... That challenge, and how to practice going easier one oneself, could be a long Substack essay of its own!
Thanks for reading my essay and commenting, Frankie!
Ah, Debbie, I wasn't accusing you of making it sound easy—everyone’s awkward at it. And I'll be the first to admit it. But, if you ever do turn this conversation into a Substack essay, know that I’ll be leaving a comment—probably something along the lines of, ‘Wow, reading this felt suspiciously familiar...." :)
I really appreciate your comment, because this is SUCH an important topic, it's sparking the idea of writing something up about this at some point. So thank you very much!
Excellent points that are very helpful. Thanks Debbie.