One of my friends made a facebook post that I really liked a lot, and I wanted to share it on here!
“I just wanted to acknowledge that in times where the majority of people are suffering to some degree–layers of suffering–that it is both incredibly unifying and isolating. Why should anyone care about my personal gripes when everything around me is on fire, in crisis? What right do I have to need attention when I hold privilege in any amount? How do I have a right to suffer when so many more people have it so much worse? These are not new questions to 2020, but are valid questions nonetheless.
I think the most meaningful part about community care, real uncommodifiable community care, is that when we partake in it, we hold space for each other when we ourselves are suffering. No one’s needs and pain should be ignored. Your pain and exhaustion is valid, and you deserve considerate space to be held for you to release it all in a considerate way. Especially in a time where many of us cannot afford, cannot access, and/or have identities that make it hard to benefit from traditional professional psychology and therapy. Conscious of our privileges, power dynamics, pettiness, and places in the world, we may hold space for one another, assist in the healing of one another. We may create compassion and care where larger systems fail us–it has been going on for centuries on this land. Not codependence, but interdependence. Your pain is valid and weighty and difficult, and I recognize it. It’s hard to resist isolation when nearly everything and everyone is in crisis, but a better world involves trusting the love of those who know you + your situation, and letting them trust in you. It’s not easy but while we are tirelessly fighting for rights and life, it’s necessary.
I’m far from perfect at this, and am currently resisting the urge waste away into nothing alone, but friends, know I’m trying”
Check out my friend’s blog site!
https://homagetolyric.substack.com/