I don’t know about you, but every once in awhile I dip into the news or reflect on the turbulent weather we’ve had, and I start to worry. There’s always a part of me that wants to have a pulse on what’s happening in the world, and then a part that feels depressed and overwhelmed and considers a glass of wine and some deep sighs.
At the same time, I’ve been reading and watching things and having conversations that remind me to notice the positive shifts happening in our world. If you follow someone (on social media) that inspires you or you’ve read or watch something that’s inspiring, please share!
#PrideMonth
We’ve got a long way to go and at the same time we’ve come so far! It’s been so exciting to see more movies and shows that are more inclusive. I’m still waiting for a queer version of Love is Blind – it’s overdue!
One of the sweetest shows I’ve watched is Heartstopper on Netflix. Thanks to one of my sisters for recommending it. The show follows two teenagers – Nick and Charlie – and their romance. It’s very much a heart-opener.
On the Insta, I will read anything by Roxane Gay. She is an incredible writer – both her books and her articles bring depth, clarity, and insight to a variety of topics. If you haven’t read her perspective on the Will Smith/Chris Rock debacle – it’s a must read. Why Jada Pinkett Smith Shouldn’t Have To ‘Take A Joke’ (and neither should you)
A Shift In Perspective
If you’re looking for ways to hold space for a different perspective beyond doom for our world or for changing any sticky patterns in your life, here are few people who are committed to helping people do just that. These three women inspire me in my job and in life.
- Martha Beck: She recently wrote the book The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self. She offers a multitude of exercises to process what is happening in the world or yourself, and ways to shift them. She demonstrates how making shifts in yourself really does help makes shifts in the world. I love how she shows that this is a process – we don’t need to demand big changes in ourselves overnight – it’s about starting (or continuing) the process.
- Sharon McMahon – she’s an American having conversations with both democrats and republicans about big issues in the USA. Whenever I find someone who has managed to connect with both sides, I lean in and get curious. She has a podcast and she has a lot of great material on Instagram. I love how she encourages people to reach out and thank or praise people in public office who are doing good things.
- Byron Katie: Multiple people refer to her as an enlightened being on this earth. She is a master of helping people change their stuck perspectives. You can find her at The Work.
Conversations
Another thing that I’ve noticed over the past few months are the more inclusive conversations. Parents asking their kids, “what do you want to wear” for grad? versus assuming it’ll be a dress or a suit. Men apologizing after they notice their comments or actions were sexist. People stepping up and taking action to make their neighbourhoods or work-places a more inclusive space. People stepping up for the environment in their communities and life.
I think it’s really important to notice these things in our lives and continue to take action both in shifting our own perspectives and speaking up in our family and community. All of these things matter, and none of our actions or words are too small to start making a difference.
Summer
It’s summer-time here, so over the next few months I might be sending out a post, or I might not. I’m going to leave it to the fates that be lol. Whatever season it is where you are, I hope you have some down-time over the next few months and that you find music, food, people, and situations that are nourishing and inspiring to your spirit.
I promise, I’ll be back in September – and as always, thanks for reading! And I always love reading anything you want to share.
