This is not normal
This is not normal
Hi Friends,
I never know how to approach this newsletter when there has been a tragedy.
(Which means I often don’t know how to approach this newsletter.)
Should I write about the brutal heartbreak of living in this country? Even if I don’t know that I have the words, and my opinion will surely piss off someone? Or do I offer a distraction from the painful realities of our existence by posting a cute video of a baby octopus? Even if that feels like avoidance and denial?
I’m a mental wellness coach. I should know which side of this I come down on.
But I don’t know.
Here’s what I do know: when I heard about the shooting in Texas, my heart dropped because there are people I love in Texas. And when I knew they were safe, my heart stayed dropped thinking of all the parents and siblings and friends who were getting the news I dreaded.
When I write about gun legislation, when I write about abortion rights, when I write about Black Lives Matter or Trans rights or anything political, I get messages. People unsubscribe, they unfollow, and they get angry.
That used to bother me.
That seems like a petty thing for me to worry about now.
I was talking to someone about their recent trip to Europe. It was his first international trip as an adult, and he was commenting on how different it all felt over there. Their culture stood in stark contrast to America.
That kind of perspective is vital. We need to get out of our own little bubble and see how things work in the rest of the world.
Humans are adaptable creatures and for the most part, this is a good thing. However, it also means that we can get used to things that are incredibly dysfunctional. We get used to mass shootings — in schools, grocery stores, churches, yoga studios, night clubs. We go numb. We get apathetic. We think this is normal.
We are the proverbial frog in a pot of boiling water.
It is not like this everywhere else in the world. Other countries have had mass shootings, and have responded with gun reform, which now makes such events very rare.
These murders are preventable.
This is not normal.
What I loved
Margaret Atwood made a limited edition of The Handmaid’s Tale that can not be burned. And seeing this 82-year-old Canadian badass with a flame thrower is fairly awesome. What a powerful statement this is.
What I watched
The Trial of the Chicago 7. I must have been distracted by *something* in 2020 because I missed this incredible movie. I have protested a fair bit (including in Charlottesville in 2017) facing down cops in riot gear a few yards in front of me. The riot scenes were so well done, that I felt my nervous system short circuit a little while watching. The acting is phenomenal and it’s Aaron Sorkin, so it is sprinkled with hilarious throw-away lines to break up the tension.
How I am getting educated
Everytown is a movement of parents, students, survivors, educators, gun owners & concerned citizens fighting to end gun violence & build safer communities.
What helps
We need all the tools possible to get through these days. I’ve collected my favorites for you over at Blue Mala. Everything from breathing exercises and 10-minute yoga classes, to my personal steps to get through a panic attack. It’s free and available for you at 3 AM when you might need it most. This won’t fix the systemic problems we are facing, but it might help you get ready to take action.
And for some escape
Here’s that baby octopus video. Look at her change color like a brave big girl.
Thank you for being here, friends. I appreciate you. Stay safe.
Much love,
~Lisa