Self-Care
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COVID Pandemic: A Threat to EDI Efforts – or an Opportunity for Leaders to Innovate?
“We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” ― Kenji Miyazawa Our mission as change agents has never been tougher. The global crisis caused by the pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. While we have heard and witnessed many acts of kindness and goodwill, the ugliness of racist slurs, longstanding prejudices and hatreds has ballooned as some look to lay blame for what has happened. Consequential to the Pandemic, Deep Inequities Become Obvious The pandemic has spotlighted the cracks and brought to the surface the inequities that are in our current system. Let us embrace this time for thoughtful analysis and to think…
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In Life, Change Is the Only Certainty
In what seemed an instant, our lives were changed. Most of us still have the look on our faces of a deer caught in the blinding glare of oncoming headlights. Our faces show it. Our insides feel it. Suddenly, the fabric of our daily lives was torn away in ways never before experienced: schools closed, businesses shuttered and working from home has become the new normal, for many. And a concept our world never contemplated – social distancing- has become almost a law. Cities in lockdown, no hand shaking, no close contact. In a world so social, we are locked down, sheltering in place. And for many, this could…
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Bad-Ass Change Agents: Self Care Isn’t Selfish
We can be our own worst enemies. We take on tasks we don’t have time for, that aren’t even our responsibility. We work too many hours, cut back on sleep and stuff ourselves with junk food because it’s quick and easy. And if that’s not enough, we feel guilty for saying ‘no’ when anyone asks something of us. Can you relate? I know you can! We need to consciously make self-care and community care a priority in our lives – as it should be. “I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre…
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Speaking Out About Mental Health – No More Shame
Up until now, mental health was a topic most everyone agreed NOT to talk about due to pervasive societal stigma and debilitating bias. But with the huge impact of the internet, social media and its 24/7 influence on our lives, and the persistent work of social change agents, the topic is finally being discussed more openly and honestly. People are talking about their mental health, admitting to anxiety, depression, panic disorders and a wide range of other struggles as well as the social and organizational barriers to equity and social justice for issues of mental health. Can you relate? I talk so much now about the importance of self-care &…
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Give Yourself Permission to Practice Self Care
Any time is the right time to practice self-care, but summer seems to the perfect season! Like many change agents and activists, I’ve had a fire in my belly since a young age. As I matured, I realized that accomplishing any meaningful difference in the world was a daunting task when I was exhausted and drained, mentally and physically. In order to make a difference for what is important to us, we must be grounded in ourselves and follow our inner guidance. That comes from practicing self care. Here are my favorite tips to rejuvenate. With summer nearly here, being in the outdoors, whether it’s taking a hike, walking the…
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Having to dig deep today as a change agent
As a change agent, I have committed my life to teaching and sharing the skills and strategies to navigate difficult situations and create truly inclusive, socially just organizations while maintaining the passion and energy critical to create meaningful, sustainable change. But today, I am struggling to use these tools in my own life. On a roller coaster, wondering what it is all for… This roller coaster of extreme emotions from Alabama last week to the tax scam this week… from feeling so useful this week as I coached so many brilliant, talented people to waking up today wondering what it is all for…. And yet I know we will move…
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5 Ways to Overcome Burnout This Season
Tis the season…for sparkling lights, glittering gift boxes and dazzling displays. But get real and admit it. You’ve lost your spark. In fact, you’re barely lit. You’re going through the motions, but there’s no passion, there’s no excitement. You’re going through the motions – but there’s no zeal, no fire in you. This isn’t just holiday blues. This goes much deeper. For a change agent, this is almost a death blow. Recognizing the Reality of Burnout People are wanting more from us as change agents, and yet when you go inside, you realize you’re running on fumes, you’re exhausted. You’re beginning to feel helpless and hopeless at times. I know…
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Self-Care Must Be Part of Every Change Agent’s Personal Agenda
You matter. Put aside all the raucous, harsh bickering you hear. Tune out all the hate, the fear, the prejudices…just for a minute. Listen to me. You matter. There is no other like you in the world. You’re unique. You’re a change agent, dedicated to pursuing greater equity and inclusion. But if you burn out, you won’t be of use to anyone. You’ve got to take care of yourself. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. I can help. On January 5th, I’m excited to announce the launch of my intense, info-packed course, In It for The Long Haul: Overcoming Burnout and Passion Fatigue as Social Justice Change Agents. You’ll get all the strategies…
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Reignite the Passion for Your Work With Self-Care
Self-Care Reignites the Passion for Your Change Work More and more change agents and activists are in deep burnout these days – and they don’t even realize it. They are still getting up every morning to work for social justice, but things just don’t feel like they used to. But as dedicated change agents, they keep on. The challenge is that they are depleting themselves, endangering their health, and undermining their long-term capacity to sustain activism and effective change work. You CANNOT neglect self-care. Ever. Being a change agent isn’t just a “job” – it is your life’s work, your calling. So, how do you find passion for your work…
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Self-Care ISN’T Selfish! But Do You Really Believe This?
It’s not selfish to take care of yourself. It may be naive to think you’re immune to burnout. Because we’re dedicated, dynamic change agents, we possess a drive that mobilizes us in such a high gear that oftentimes we overlook what’s right in front of us: ourselves. With all the vital work change agents do, we cannot overlook ourselves. To do so would have calamitous effects – and if you’re already neglecting yourself, you’re in the fast lane to burnout. Are you ready to learn how to take care of yourself – and learn why self-care strategies are key? So You Don’t Think You Need Self Care… I designed an…
