Write My MAP Reflections: Week 15

At the beginning of this year, I created a statement for myself that helped me focus my energy. Because the political climate and the strategies of “move fast and break things” and “flood the zone” there’s so much that is clawing at our attention at every moment. The point is to overwhelm things to the point of breaking, where literally any tiny pause feels like a lifeline and we will accept anything that comes our way. Anyway, I found myself starting to lose focus and energy on treading water, so I took a moment to scribble something down that would help me prioritize. I shared it a few weeks ago, because it felt important, I’ll share it again:

Regulate your nervous system
Organize your resources, priorities, and networks
Connect with your community and loved ones
Know your rights and practice using them
Expand your knowledge base and share your skills
Take care of yourself and engage those boundaries that will help you take care of others too, Take notes and keep receipts
Stay informed by using multiple sources not connected to a social media platform (ie directly from the news source website or printed paper, not through an app)

This week, I have spent the majority of my time focusing on C, E, and T. I am deeply grateful to those of you who have supported me in being able to step away and channel my energy in the way I did, my family is grateful too. I don’t have a lot that I can share here just yet. So as we head into the final week of this years writing journey, I want to share this piece I scribbled one night this last week as I sat in watchfulness over a loved one.

We must allow ourselves to connect
With openness and boundaried trust
To see
The small windows that reveal the revolution
As it comes with
A challenge to our dignity
A line drawn and held
A refusal to back down
A march of resistance and rebellion
Against the inhumanity
The sparks become fire that burns and rages
The hatred must be uprooted
The pain must be uncovered
Curiosity must meet echoes of the familiar
Hard questions must be asked
Courage takes hold and reveals
The truth of it all
Practice meets resolve
Here new seeds can germinate
Creativity can expand and build
Healing can be whole
Love and community can make a home

Back next week with a final reflection and some additional thoughts.