Tiny Dose of Hope

Image shows the wall of a shop covered in brightly colored shirts from the market in Totonicapan.

Lately I find myself sitting with a feeling of absolute disbelief with a side of despair. I haven’t posted much about what’s going on in the world because I feel like I don’t always understand what’s happening, but I do regularly repost videos and posts on insta from sources I trust. These are folks who have done their research, and I appreciate their work so much. Having an explanation can give us a place to work from – a way to identify where we might have agency. And a sense of agency is important. When we fall (or are pushed) into the feeling that nothing we do will make a difference, we are immobilized. For individuals, feeling like we don’t have voice or choice increases anxiety and/or depression. It decreases creativity and motivation. It can keep us from trying new things, from food to ideas. It adds a sense of hopelessness – of being stuck. There are people with more power than you or I that like nothing better than when people feel stuck and without recourse.

This week I heard about the 48 Counties in Titonicapan that gather together monthly to decide what best for the people in that region, and it gave me a sense of hope. That organizing does work. That what we do can make a difference.

I’m always interested in what gives other people hope. Let us know in the comments!

If you are interested in following other folks: @ykreborn @lynaevanee @resmaamenakem @blairimani @ibramxk @wkamaubell @sogoreatelandtrust @asianmentalhealthcollective @prentishemphill @missxtinab

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