Don’t Give Up
"Whether or not something is deemed a "failure" is dependent on when performance is measured.
I signed the book deal for Atomic Habits in November 2015 and it was published in October 2018. If you were to measure the performance of the book at any point during those three years, the project would have been deemed a failure. In January 2016? It was incomplete. A failure. In August 2017? Still unfinished. A failure. In February 2018? Again, a failure.
But after October 2018, it looked like a success. Same project. Different time when the outcome was measured.
This idea applies in many areas of life. You're not failing. You're just in the middle of succeeding."
~James Clear
Hello, Dear Ones,
We knew it was coming and yet somehow that didn’t soften the blow. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m scared, and yet, I’m hopeful.
The quote I shared above from James Clear found me today, and it truly hit home. Right now, it feels like a lot of the advocacy work that’s been done by so many people, regarding so many issues has failed because of a very small group of people with power. I’m going to reframe that these horrific decisions have emboldened many people to get involved and make sure their stories are heard and that they are seen and represented. We might not be able to see it yet (and it really might not feel like it), but we are in the middle of succeeding.
Right now is a time for connection and compassion. Many of us are feeling a lot of things, and I encourage you to seek out the safe spaces in your lives to feel everything you need to feel right now. And when you feel ready for the next step, take it.
This week (even before all of this) I had planned on talking about the value of volunteering our time, talents, and resources. Volunteering is an extremely powerful gift we can give ourselves. It helps us connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
Every time I’ve been able to volunteer, I’ve gotten more than I was able to give. I’ve learned and I’ve grown. I also always connect with new amazing humans that challenge and teach me. Some of my favorite people I have met through volunteer experiences.
Right now, instead of slipping into despair, I’m choosing to find ways that feel right to me to give back and create change. I want to leave a safe and loving world for my niece, nephews, and all those in the next generation. It’s going to take work from all of us to make that happen. I invite you to find a cause that speaks to you and get involved or give back through your time, your talents, or your resources. Or all three if you’re able. The more positive energy you put into it, the more you will receive back from it.
Find a cause you strongly identify with and dig in. If you’re struggling to think of a cause you connect with, ask yourself what is the suffering in the world you can’t look away from, and start there. I’ve also included some links with causes I am supporting below if you need any ideas. I would also love to hear about organizations you support! Please respond to this message or post in the comments below.
I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. I’m here for you, and I see you, friends.
With love and kindness,
Jessica
P.S.
The fun thing I am doing right now to care for myself is diving into fun crafts for my niece’s dollhouse. I love her creativity and her fierce spirit, and I am soaking it all up right now. It gives me so much hope and joy and helps me feel more grounded in who I am. Look to the strength and resilience in the kids you know; seeing them be their authentic selves is one of the brightest lights in my life.
Links for causes:
Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project https://wrrap.org/
National Network of Abortion Funds: https://abortionfunds.org/
Vote Forward: https://votefwd.org/
Feed my Starving Children: https://www.fmsc.org/get-involved/volunteer
