Step Away from CNN.... Put Down the Facebook

So, the world feels pretty bleak right now. It is. But always/nevers and extreme ways of seeing things can make things feel even heavier and worse. We all need a break. Like Gordon said in his e-mail yesterday, please take care of yourselves. Here’s a few things that have helped me (personally) this week:

Activate with others:

·         10 Actions in 100 Days Seattle

https://www.facebook.com/100DaysSeattle/?pnref=story

Take A Break:

·         Plan your vacation time and communicate it responsibly so it goes as smoothly as possible for everyone involved

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/17/travel/how-to-take-more-vacation-time-in-2017.html

Laugh….if you can…even if it’s laugh-crying?

·         The Daily Show is a go-to for me

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/31/the-daily-show-s-muslim-correspondent-hasan-minhaj-tears-into-trump-s-muslim-ban.html

·         “What to do when you're so overwhelmed by the Trump presidency you can barely move”

http://mashable.com/2017/01/30/trump-presidency-overwhelmed/#IUIePevcbOqV

·         Escape into a (non-dystopian) book or movie!

Remember that we’re in this together even if it looks a little different:

·         When everything feels so divisive:

https://www.facebook.com/nyagphotos/videos/367779706938048/

Share positive local changes that affect your work!

·         Changes are happening in Seattle; Seattle approved two open-use sites (but lack funding and locations)

http://komonews.com/news/local/will-heroin-injection-locations-stop-addicts-from-using-in-public-places

·         People Experiencing Homelessness are Connecting to Estranged Family Due to Startup “Mircale Messages”

https://www.facebook.com/NowThisNews/videos/1148366941920095/

·         We have some folks in office who won’t be bullied

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-wont-be-bullied-will-fight-trumps-order-mayor-says/

And even stories that aren’t local but remember all the good work around the world! Remember the arch that bends toward justice and acceptance:

·         20 good stories
https://www.facebook.com/interestingsh/videos/1248207171928552/

·         Lesbian Church Minster near White House
https://www.facebook.com/Upworthy/videos/1602791829761669/

·         100 Years of Planned Parenthood
https://www.facebook.com/NowThisHer/videos/960548247409384/

And cuteoverload used to be my go-to, but here’s some things that help now:

·         http://www.emergencykitten.com/

·         https://www.facebook.com/CuteEmergency/

·         http://jezebel.com/b-rad-the-baby-sloth-does-not-know-the-world-is-burni-1791760737