I’m not alone in trying to protect my peace and staying informed of what’s happening in Ukraine (and continuing to be aware of the ongoing struggle in Afghanistan, Palestine, Somalia, Yemen, and other countries fighting wars right now). I wish I had tips for you, because I am failing to do so. I can’t stop Googling or scrolling Twitter. I went on an Etsy digital download purchasing spree to support Ukraine-based artists (I might have to print a few of these coloring sheets for myself - Rho definitely loved them). Basically, I’m stuck in a news spiral and I don’t know how to get out of it. Part of this spiral is a personal reckoning, of sorts. All of us are bombarded with this news in a way we haven’t been about Afghanistan (the withdrawal being the exception), ongoing updates of what’s happening in Israel and Palestine, and the very fact that we ordered air strikes in Somalia and Yemen is still in a war. This is not meant to distract from what’s happening in Ukraine, where the invasion of a country’s sovereign rights is being challenged by a madman whose own citizens do not support this attack. But it’s meant to shed light on the fact that similar atrocities are happening in countries where Brown and Black people live - and has been happening for months, if not years - and most of us aren’t aware of it. It’s a mindf*&k. There is no playbook on how to be an engaged global citizen who is decolonizing their worldview, and protecting your peace in the process. But it’s not going to happen overnight. With each of these conflicts comes an influx of interest, action, and the almost instant waning once something else happens. We did it when bombing in the West Bank intensified last year, when the United States withdrew from Afghanistan last summer, and right now. Once the reporting is focused on another issue, our attention naturally is redirected and these stories that occupied our hearts and minds fade away. None of us alone can fix the ills of the world, or make a tangible impact on every single issue. But we can all do something, on a regular basis. It’s as easy as regularly reading an international news outlet’s website, or supporting their Patreon. It’s establishing monthly donations to relief organizations who are the first on the ground (like IRC, WCK, UNHCR) as well as local organizations (Tikva Odessa is personally vetted by a friend of mine and who we’ve donated to, and I have a monthly donation set up to Code 2 Inspire, supporting women’s coding education in Afghanistan). And doing it regularly, with intention. It also means contributing to the public square, as my friend Emily reminds us to do on her very smart Instagram. Taking these actions is a good first step, but talking about what we’ve learned with our families, friends, and even on social media is the necessary second step. And sometimes it means to step away from your phone or computer and doing something to recharge your energy. For me, it’s preparing a meal, reading a book, or playing with my kids. I’m signing off this evening to make enchiladas and have a dance party with my boys while they’re baking. I hope to read a chapter or two of the first Crescent City book after packing for my trip tomorrow (and, you know, unpacking from last week’s trip). I’m going to do my best, and continue to check in to see if my best can be better. What I Read This Week Abigail
Shibani
Hitha
I’m also reading Castles In Their Bones, House of Earth and Blood, and Borderland right now. Reviews coming once I finish them! Top #5SmartReads of the Week
The rest of the week’s reads (and conversations!) are below: Your Questions, Answered What’s your go-to/ daily tote bag for drop off, errands, etc? What metrics/numbers will you be looking at to feel safe and unmask indoors? It’s our third year in pandemic life. I don’t mind masking indoors and diner outdoors or inside during off-peak hours, or continuing some of my kids’ activities over Zoom at least until Rhaki is vaccinated. And even moving forward, I don’t mind masking inside public transportation, museums, and shows during cold and flu season. This is what our family feels comfortable with. Best small business fine jewelry businesses you would support? Loved how you manifested your hubby! Advice for older women who are still searching for a guy? I met and married my husband when we were in our mid-twenties- we were babies and had a lot of growing up left to do. When you’re more settled, it becomes more a merging of lives instead of building a life together, which I think offers a lot more freedom and flexibility! My friends Clara & Amy Nobile are amazing dating coaches that I would highly recommend talking to and see if they may be a fit for you. What are your inexpensive fashion finds/go to two in one easy makeup finds? On makeup, I love Wander Beauty’s new mascara in the pink tube (it’s also a lash treatment) and their blush/illuminator stick. I also mix a dab of their foundation with Supergoop’s sunscreen oil for a really pretty tinted face oil. They are the masters of multitasking beauty and I love them! About how many books do you read a year? How do you decide what to read next? I’m an emotional reader. I have my thriller moods, nonfiction moods, historical fiction moods, fantasy moods, and am almost always in a romantic mood. Whatever mood I’m in, I pick a book based on it! Athletic Greens referral link? I hope you find your balance of staying engaged with the news AND protecting your peace. xo, If you liked this post from #5SmartReads, why not share it? |
#124 - the one on the news and your peace
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