Embracing the Unknown: How to Thrive in Times of Change
1. Please Stay Safe.
Our first job, now as always, is to be safe and well. We cannot help anyone else or face any day without being safe and well. Please stop and think about what you need to do to be safe in the context of National changes. Wait and watch with care: avoiding all excited messages you might receive via social media of any kind. Being safe means holding your conversations with those you trust, in person: not over any written media. Nothing is happening in the next ten minutes: stop, watch, consider your needs and how you can and will be safe.
2. Please Remember: Everything is Temporary.
Everything changes. This is For Now, and now only. Our country, and all countries around the world have faced difficult periods of time, and have changed. How can you make it through these four years? What do you believe you need or want to do during these four years, to change or fight for people and laws in our country? Whom can you ask or reach out to, as you work for things that matter to you? Stay safe, work to protect or change things, and remember that this is temporary.
3. Please Know You Have Power. You CAN Safely Take Action.
Through the history of time, we have helped each other survive when we are at risk. Please remember, this has to occur within the context of being safe, yourself. We have always created powerful, sustainable and silent networks to help people survive. We do this by working together and without fanfare. Many, many people – and programs designed to help people – are now suddenly and terribly vulnerable. There is always a way, for any of us, to exert our power on their behalf. Think about this like that old elementary school science experiment: you drip little drops of water on a penny, one drippy-drop by one drippy-drop, until the water spills over and nourishes the area around the penny. Everything you do to help is one drop of water: and each drop matters with power designed to break the surface tension and spill over, nourishing the area around you. Pick your passion. Think simply. You have agency. There are places waiting for you to drip one little drop of water.
You Matter to Us.
If any of this does not make sense or leaves you feeling more distress, please call the office right away. We offer these words with hope and genuine belief that you can be safe, survive this period in our country’s history, and thrive on your own agency to support those most vulnerable at this time. There is no other hidden or suggested message intended in any of these words.
We want you to be, feel, and know you are healthy, safe, and well.