Time Magazine, February 2019
Real talk? I’ve spent more of my life than I would like to admit feeling stuck in some proverbial ‘middle.’ Wanting to live (and work) in spaces of expansiveness, beauty, and hope, and at the same time feeling like I'm not supposed to (and therefore struggle), for fear of being accused of being a ‘white girl,’ ‘bougie,’ or ‘naïve.’
No doubt, there is much pain and suffering in the world that needs attending to. There is much to ‘fix,’ and we all need to show up. At the same time, I’ve watched more than a few of my friends, colleagues and clients become psychically and/or physically sick from holding so much community pain in their bodies through overwork, lack of sleep, stress, and organizing-related PTSD. Can you relate?
At the end of the day, art, hope and optimism have won out in my life – if for no other reason than I want to survive. But the truth is, I want to thrive, too.
“And so, working on this issue with the stellar team at TIME helped me to remember a simple truth: that prioritizing hope whenever possible is a brave and bold thing to do.” ~Ava DuVernay
Time Magazine’s 2nd Annual special edition devoted to Optimism has been a breath of fresh air. Guest edited by none other than the incomparable Ava DuVernay, it is full of vibrant, compelling voices and stories, including When I Need Hope, I Look to the History of Black Brilliance, by Laverne Cox. You may be able to still find it on newsstands, but if not, click through for a great online offering.
What creates optimism for you in your world? I’d love to hear about it. Tell me.