I got home from Los Angeles late on Monday night to a revelation that was simultaneously wonderful and terrifying. My traps had worked (I used the covered ones) and I had caught the mouse. (If you have no idea what I am talking about, read this post.) Finally. (I’m literally still seeing and hearing mice all day long and I think I might actually be going insane!) I was happy to be rid of the problem but I was also upset that I had killed something. It was dead in the trap, it smelled, and it was on my kitchen counter. Sooooo there may have been some screaming. Some loud screaming, at that.
I called one of my best guy friends, terrified. He later told me that by my reaction, he had been verrrrrrry concerned. He thought that maybe I had been mugged, or that maybe I had come home to find out that my apartment had been robbed. Nope. (Note to self: Oops! Must not be so dramatic!) Anyway, he came over to dispose of the dead body and I have never been more grateful or lucky. Upon disposing of the body (sorry, that sounds terrible but I think I’m hilarious), we opened up a bottle of wine, naturally.
Outfit Details: Loro Piana Peacoat (a few years old but similar here, here + here) // J.Crew Cashmere Sweater // Rag & Bone Jeans (similar here, here + here) // Saint Laurent Clutch // Valentino Heels // Hart Dip Dye Tassel Earrings
Look for Less: Jeans // Sweater // Clutch
After catching up on our respective weekends, the conversation naturally turned to politics. It was interesting because while he skews conservative and I skew liberal, we both agreed on one thing: Facebook is making us nuts. I can’t log on without feeling my heart leap up into my throat. It isn’t even just the news. It’s the anger and the rage (understandable, but often misdirected). On top of that, I have push notifications for the news on my phone (those, I signed up for), and now somehow they are also on my computer (did not sign up for those). By the way, I feel so old right now, complaining about push notifications on my computer and not knowing how to get rid of them! AHH! Make them STOP!
But between social media and the push notifications, it often just feels like one miniature panic attack after another. That’s no way to live, and more importantly, it’s paralyzing. And if we are paralyzed, we can’t actually do anything.
I talked to a few more friends yesterday and everyone seemed to agree. We all feel as though we are going slightly crazy. So I decided to write a post about it… but more importantly to sit down and really think about what I could do for me to a) continue to stay active and informed, but b) take better care of my own mental well-being, and c) maybe help you guys to do the same thing. If every single one of my friends feels slightly nuts right now, I figured there was a pretty good chance that my readers were feeling the same way.
So here are some thoughts and ramblings. And this isn’t a partisan thing, it’s really not. It’s a human thing. This post is about being better to ourselves, and nicer to each other.
ONE // Don’t feel bad about taking a break from the news every now and then. I felt very conflicted while I was in LA. I had gone into the weekend saying that I would be taking a break from politics but then the immigration ban passed (and I was at the SAG Awards – holy politics!!!) so that was not really an option. This is hard for me as I (total honesty here) pretty much floated through my twenties, not really paying attention to what was going on in the world. I am really proud that I have changed that, so I automatically feel guilty if something new happens and I don’t know about it. I read this awesome article and thought it was very helpful. If you start to feel over the top outraged, take a break. The news will still be there when you get back to it. Giving yourself a break will ultimately prevent you from going numb.
TWO // Practice self-care. The article I linked to above talks about this in greater depth but one thing I’ve started doing is spending five minutes every morning writing (pen and paper in a journal). On Hitha’s recommendation I went and got this journal. The idea is that by complaining less and appreciating what we have, we will be happier. Every morning I write down 3 things I’m grateful for, 3 things that would make the day great, and 2 daily affirmations about myself. And then at night I say 3 amazing things that happened that day, and how I could have made the day even better. Along those lines, I have been going to church again. My faith has been a bit all over the place over the past ten years… in any given year it ranged from highly dedicated to highly skeptical. I’m striving for balance. The day after the explosion in Chelsea (back in September) I went to church for the first time in years. I experienced a calm that I have not felt in a long time (especially in New York). Faith is personal. I am not saying that you should go to church as well, but I did want to share an example from my own life.. There are a million things that have that a similar effect: yoga, meditation, reading a great book, snuggling with a pet, going to the movies, hiding under a blanket and doing copious amounts of drugs… (obvs kidding on that last one… jusssst wanted to make sure you’re still reading!)
THREE // Practice compassion and talk about the issues! Talk to your liberal friends, talk to your conservative friends. If you have a friend or family member who voted differently than you, find out why! I really think that it is so, so important to talk openly and honestly about this stuff and understand others’ perspectives. I have really enjoyed the emails from readers and commenters who have been able to disagree with my views in a respectful way. I dislike our president, but I don’t dislike those who supported him. There is a huge, huge difference. At the end of the day, we are all just doing the best we can with the information we have. I loved reading the comments section of this post – I learned a lot and gained so much perspective on how the other side was feeling. We all think differently and it’s so incredibly important to at least try to understand how and why others feel the way they do. My friend Alden wrote a really awesome piece on compassion… to use her words, you are not going to successfully fight Trump by fighting the people around you. Also, please don’t kill me for writing this but I personally think that we should stop equating all conservatives with Trump. I know so many conservatives who are scared to even say that they are Republicans because of the Trump connotation. That makes me sad.
FOUR // Figure out the things you can control and focus your energy there. I can’t make our president lift the immigration ban. I can write letters to my senators and donate to the ACLU, and I can volunteer my time and hours. I have been thinking really hard about what I can do. Whether that means writing more blog posts like this, or volunteering (but WHERE – if you guys have suggestions I am all ears). Volunteering is going to be a huge priority for me next month. I have quite a bit of travel coming up but once I’m back and settled I can’t wait to find a place where I can steadily volunteer a few hours every week.
FIVE // Just be nice. Something my friends in New York have noticed is that everyone is suddenly so much nicer. It’s kind of amazing and also kind of hilarious. I’ve noticed strangers looking me in the eye more frequently, saying hello, smiling… just being more patient. It’s kind of amazing and goes back to point #3. Be nice!
PS – I am not going to stop talking about this stuff. I think there is a graceful way to talk about politics in a way that is not judgmental. That is always my goal here. I am as open-minded as they come. I want to hear from you no matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on. Talking about this stuff is so important. We need to be having healthy conversations, and we need to come together and not tear each other down. Everything I write is coming from a place of love and respect. Over the weekend I received several emails with disappointment over my post about feminism (which if you read the entire post, you will probably agree with me that it was not even a political post! It really wasn’t! I was just saying that we are all equals!) These readers (all women) told me that they will no longer be visiting my blog. That was disheartening and made me pretty sad. And also baffled. But for every one of those emails, I received ten more saying THANK YOU. To those of you who emailed, shared that post, and/or commented (even to disagree with my views!), thank you. I can’t tell you how much I needed your support!
And if you are still mad at me for taking a stance, I’m sorry. The focus of this blog will always be fashion and beauty but I can’t NOT talk about this stuff.
photography by Lydia Hudgens.
Loved reading this! Taking a break and having a mental refresh does the mind wonders!
Linking up our wedding day over on S&S today!
XO
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Agreed. So important!
Lovely post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I completely agree, Facebook is on a whole new level. I just can’t sign on anymore! It is that overwhelming. With the news, I really encourage them to at least share stories of hope and inspiration with everything going on like they used to regardless who the President was. A girl can dream I guess!
xo elle // https://splashofpreppy.com
Thanks, Elle. It’s all so overwhelming! xx
Grace, I am loving your new political/civic content. Your attitude on the subject is so refreshing, and I agree with everything you said above. I’m a feminist, never-Trump Republican, and this election cycle broke my heart a million different ways. Part of putting it back together has been engaging in lots of conversations with people who think and believe differently than me and learning to be more comfortable with (gracious) disagreement.
My church recently started a study on some pretty contentious topics, and set two guidelines for dialogue that I’m trying to remember in all my conversations: 1) I could be wrong, 2) Everyone else is trying to be faithful to what they believe is right. These “rules of engagement” have helped as I engage more rather than shift in to instant debate mode. Thanks for your post!
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing your thoughts, Catherine! I really like both of those rules and will keep those in mind during my own conversations. Compassion and empathy are so important.
Oh my God, if I had seen a mouse… I wouldn’t even have killed it myself, I’d probably call my boyfriend screaming and crying too to do it for me!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
HAHA – just to clarify, I did not kill it myself… the trap did. I just returned home to it after my trip… and screamed! 😉
Great post! I also cannot figure out how to get those stupid notifications on my computer. (Is this 35?!)
If you’re looking for a way to concentrate your dosage of action and some news, I hope you’ll check out Project 1461 (project1461.org). Every day, we one concrete action people can take to resist Trump’s agenda (calls to Congress, etc.) — there’s one daily email or a weekly option, or Facebook (Facebook.com/project1461) usually has a few more posts a day that include the day’s biggest news.
I’ve been a total news junkie since the election (and before, really), but working on this site has helped me stay focused on what’s most important and filter out the rest.
Haha yes. This is 35. Oof. Glad I’m not the only one who struggles with this stuff 😉
Off to check out Project 1461 now – thank you!!!!!
If you want a way to keep informed in a very non-emotional way, check out the app Countable. It connects you with your Reps and Senators, and lists every bill that’s up for debate this week — you can vote “yay” or “nay” with one tap and it sends an email to your congresspeople! Also gives a short summary of each bill with arguments for and against. It’s my savior!
Oh my goodness this sounds amazing!!!! Thanks for the suggestion- downloading this immediately!
Yes thank you very much for that comment. I downloaded it and have gotten to work and spread the word!
yes!! This is such a great resource for people right now. I love it!
Do you read The Skimm?
Haha yes – I used to get The Skimm, and it stopped coming! I think I may have accidentally unsubscribed when I did unroll.me. I just signed back up – I loved it!!! I would also recommend the Quartz (QZ.com) app – it feels like texting with a friend, except to get the news.
Grace, I appreciate all your comments and am sorry some people have reacted angrily to you voicing your opinion and feelings, which we all have the right to do. If anything, I’m guessing this will make you feel even more grateful for those of us who appreciate your candor (and that might include some who don’t share your views but are evolved enough to know we don’t always have to agree on everything others say!!). Thanks for being honest! That takes guts when you know there is a chance for backlash.
You have no idea how much I appreciate the kind words and encouragement that I have received on posts like this. 🙂 xo
Woof. I feel the same way to the point that I’m avoiding (have unfollowed) one of my best friends. I think we all need to stop jumping down each others throat’s and feeding the beast. I don’t fault anyone for their opinions but rather how they’re presented: ie- back up by facts? Over-generalizations? Social media has made it hard!
x0x0 Caroline http://thecarolove.com/
Yes, yes, yes!!! We are all entitled to our own differing views and opinions – but the over-generalizations and false information is very scary.
LOVED this post and love you! Also… love those jeans 🙂
Love you backkkk!!!!
its totally insane to me that anyone could have had a problem with your post. i love this one too!
xo, brittany
cozy but cute looks on my blog today
http://www.notablob.com
Aw, thanks Brittany! xo
I agree, the world seems overwhelming at the moment, and as a former news journalist, I also need a break from news!! I’ve been using this app the Gratitude Garden, and really love the illustrations and how it makes me journal three things that I’m grateful for.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gratitude-garden/id1101115763?mt=8
Thank you for the recommendation – I will check that out!! 🙂 x
Oh thanks for this! Will check it out as well.
My favorite way to stay informed is TheSkimm. It’s quick and easy, and if you only want the basic update for the day, you have it and can stay sane the rest of the day!
Renee
http://www.avec-amour.blogspot.com
You know, I used to get The Skimm, and it stopped coming! I think I may have accidentally unsubscribed when I did unroll.me. I just signed back up – I loved it!!!
I would also recommend the Quartz (QZ.com) app – it feels like texting a friend, to get the news.
The hatred and nastiness towards one another who have different views needs to stop. Everyone has a voice. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has a choice. To be mean, to name call, to judge someone else that is just wrong. I am sorry you have lost followers but your honest and authentic posts including politics, Q&A and more personal posts along with your outfits is what keeps me coming back.
Yes, yes, yes!!! And thank you for the encouragement, Tracy 🙂
Such a great post, Grace! Love your tips! Also….so happy you got that mouse!
Pink Champagne Problems
Ha ha, thanks Dana 🙂 Me too. He was terrifying.
Thank you for this post! I feel the same way. I can’t turn on the news, go on fb, twitter, or any social media really without hearing about Trump, and even when I’m in a group chat with my friends (who all share my views about him) the conversation always seems to go back to him. I want to find a way where I’m still informed, but not hearing about him 24/7. The world is becoming a scary place, and I don’t want to be ignorant, I’d love to do something to help, but I also need a break from it.
Haha YES – my family’s group text was giving me heart palpitations the other day!!! Hope you are able to take a little break. 🙂 x
Thank you for continuing to post content like this. I’m new to your blog but have been catching up (regular follower for about a month now). I have been practically unable to log into social media. I am struggling so much with interacting and even thinking about close friends and family who voted for Trump. I do not want to delete this people from my life, they are good, kind, generous, loving people and I am trying to remember that even though I still cannot understand AT ALL what made them support and continue to support Trump. Even though many of your readers are not bloggers, I know I’m struggling with what “content” to post on my “platform”-my own personal social media. I have posted one thing that was pro women’s rights on the day of the woman’s march, It BOGGLES my mind that that saying women should have equal rights to men is somehow a political statement! It’s not! It is insane to me that female (and male!) friends of mine do not share that sentiment. Ok, my comment is getting very long again. Take care and I will continue to support you and humankind and America. God bless the USA we need it!
Aw, thank you Janice! It is really hard. I struggle with what to post to my personal platforms as well. I’ve taken to writing updates about the mouse in my apartment, posting funny things that have nothing to do with politics… it’s hard. I want a break, but I also don’t want to be insensitive, either! I also agree SO MUCH that saying women have equal rights is not a political statement! It’s so crazy to me!!! Anyway, thank you for commenting and sharing your opinion – truly appreciate it!
I’m really loving these thought-provoking posts! I took the Facebook app off my phone (I can still just go to the website if I really want to…) and have a Chrome filter to not see politics so I can see FB for what I like it for: catching up with people, and I can check other news sources when I want to. As for being old…I have an Apple Watch and I hadn’t realized I’d turned on the news notifications either so I was getting them on my watch and getting super anxious.
I’m still trying to figure out, too, how I can become more involved. Do you speak any other languages? A friend is teaching English as a second language, and I’m thinking of using my Spanish minor (hello, many years later) for something similar. And I also have been thinking about going to church lately, too…
Aw good!!! That is a really good idea to take FB off your phone. It’s a bummer because Facebook had always been one of my favorite places to source articles for my weekend reading posts, etc. But now I go on and just feel overwhelmed and panicky.
That’s so funny about your Apple Watch. My friend had the exact same problem.
I do not speak other languages. I speak broken Spanglish but definitely not enough to teach – I LOVE that your friend is doing that!!!
Grace,
Thank you for finding a way to write about the current climate in such a thoughtful, graceful way. I find your posts about this stuff SO helpful! In the past, I would’ve described myself as a moderate Republican, however, I voted for Hillary in this election. I think it is so, so important that we’re able to have thoughtful, fact-based discussions about what is happening politically right now and the direction that the country is headed in. Thank you for using your platform for just that. I truly think that the more polarized we become, the worse off we all will be. We need to find ways to move towards each other and realize that at the end of the day we all want the same things: a job we can feel proud of, good health, and a safe place to raise our families. We really are more alike than different.
Thank you for the comment about this. I completely agree with everything you just wrote, especially the bit about realizing we are more alike than different – we really do all want the same things at the end of the day. ALSO – I read this article over the weekend (it’s a little older, but I thought it did an excellent job explaining (not justifying) why Trump won: https://hbr.org/2016/11/what-so-many-people-dont-get-about-the-u-s-working-class You may enjoy it. 🙂 x
Love the post + love that you’re taking a stance! I agree, it’s exhausting to have all this news, constantly. Sometimes it feels like I just can’t focus on anything else. Honestly reading has been such a great escape for me during this time. But Facebook is overwhelming. I get why people feel the need to talk about all of this, but it’s just turned into a political platform, nothing else! Thanks for the tips. (And I love these earrings!) x
Thanks Diana. It is so overwhelming. I am one of those people who keeps a million tabs in my browser open, and as a result FB + Twitter are always open. I have made a conscious effort to close both of those and look only during lunch, late afternoon when I want to look at what is going on. I shared a light article about “glamping” to my personal FB this morning and was happy about that decision.
And thanks, re: my earrings! So in love with all of Hart’s designs – she’s so talented!
This post is full of great advice! I’ve been feeling a little insane myself and it’s hard to balance mental well being with information sometimes!
xo, Caitlin
http://thesolcompass.com
I’m so happy you found it helpful. 🙂 xx
Thank you – this is appreciated!
Keep on talking about it, that is all we can do. Facebook makes me so mad these days. I jsut try to stay off that, limit my time on twitter and read as much as I can.
Yes to that!!! Thank you Missy. 🙂 xx
I was SO proud when I read your post on feminism. I’m really glad to see this new generation of feminists who care about their health and bodies, and like to look feminine, and are still passionate about women’s rights.
Oh good! I am so happy to hear tht. Thanks, Johanna! xx
I absolutely loved this post, and the article you linked to – THANK YOU! It’s only been a few weeks, and yet I’m already feeling burned out – and that is exactly how they win, by getting you to stop educating yourself and being informed.
And thank you for not giving in to the haters by keeping your blog 100% “fun pretty things” – this is uncharted reality lately, and you are totally allowed to express your views about more serious issues on your own platform. I’ve started noticing lately how some of my favorite bloggers are staying resolutely mute on current events – one way or another – and it’s pretty off-putting that they won’t even acknowledge how unsettled the country has been.
I know there are those who may unfollow you (the horror!) for expressing your opinions, but I also want to assure you that you are hopefully gaining new readers and cementing your appeal to current fans with your recent posts. So again – thank you!
Thank you Dana – much appreciated!!! xx
“Also, please don’t kill me for writing this but I personally think that we should stop equating all conservatives with Trump. I know so many conservatives who are scared to even say that they are Republicans because of the Trump connotation. That makes me sad.” – Thank you so much for saying this. I work at a R political committee, did not vote for Trump, do not respect him, and have a lot of friends on my side that agree and are very discouraged about the direction of our country as well.
Aw so glad to hear that Lee!!! I have been really frustrated to see the general anti-Republican sentiment. Yes, he was your candidate but that doesn’t mean you support him!!!
Hi Grace,
Great post. I’m hosting my friends’ social justice group this month and was planning to use the Medium link you provided, so it’s awesome to have some extra articles to reference!
You might be interested in this: https://www.indivisibleguide.com/web
It obviously has a ‘resist Trump’ agenda but has some basic information that I found really helpful and think others would too, regardless of which side of the aisle they fall on.
Thanks for posting,
M
Thanks for sharing, Meghan – I am excited to check that out!!!
I love that you can get real on this blog! A Lot of bloggers seem to completely ignore whats going on in the world or choose not to discuss it. I feel like when it is not discussed it makes it feel like there is an awkward elephant in the room… esp in the past few months. You have eloquently and GRACEfully ( pun intended ; ) ) tackled this. Keep at it!
Aw good!!! I am happy you’ve enjoyed these posts – thank you for taking the time out of your day to tell me!
Brava! Great post – couldn’t have said it better myself.
Aw – THANKS!! xx
How in the world did people take offense to your post about feminism?? I thought it was really well written, and definitely opened my eyes to the real definition. I never thought of myself as a feminist, but after reading that, I totally am. No duh, everyone should have equal rights.
On a similar note, I was at a toddlers birthday party over the weekend and one of the dads starting talking about politics and the “good old days” and this is what he said (I’m paraphrasing….): “People used to respect the law and listen to police officers, women would listen to their husbands, blacks would listen to whites, etc. I was like GAH!! Who thinks like this?? I was speechless, and this is in California! At the very least, we need to set the example of being good humans. Love thy neighbor, stand up for those that don’t have the power to stand up for themselves. It’s going to be a long 4 years, but at the end, I truly do believe we as a nation will come out stronger and more together.
Oh my goodness I would have flipped out if I heard that!!!
Glad you enjoyed the post(s) – it is scary that people were offended by it. I just wanted to share my own personal experience, and I’m happy that it helped clear up the meaning behind the word. 🙂
you’re my favorite, as always. great post, grace. i was in mexico over the weekend for five nights and i was trying to somehow both keep up and block it all out. started a february facebook freeze today, too. and liked hearing that church has been a place of peace for you lately – i really should get back to going more regularly.
Aw thank you Lauren!! I hope you were able to relax a bit in Mexico. And I love the alliteration behind “Facebook Freeze!” 😉
Thank you so much for this post, Grace. I have been feeling completely overwhelmed by social media and the fact that everyone is talking about it. We’re talking about every single person in my office here and everywhere I go. I thought you weren’t supposed to talk politics at the office?
It’s not that I always (dis)agree with everyone, but it gets a little overwhelming!
Thanks for the break!
https://bybreannamarie.com/
Aw I so agree! I generally agree with what is being shared, but it stresses me out so so much! 🙂 xx
I LOVE this. Thank you so much for posting. I too feel I am in the same situation. I have a mini anxiety attack every time I read the news. Yet I still can’t stop. I am trying to be informed but also need to keep my sanity! Great suggestions!!
BTW thank you for your post on being a feminist. Before your article I was always a little tentative to call myself a feminist, but you are right I am one and I should say that I am!! Nothing to be ashamed of.
Thanks again for your more political posts. I now plan to consistently read your blog so keep it up!
Yes!!! I am so happy you are enjoying these posts – it makes me so happy!!!
Such a TIMELY post – I loved every word of it! Thank you for continuing to be you, for sharing what is important to you, and inspiring us in some way. I know I have truly benefited from your posts, ALL of them, and especially the recent civic minded ones. I LOVE all of your posts! Ha! You are super well-rounded, and I just love your honesty, candidness and your genuine and kind spirit really shines through! How anyone would be offended by what you’ve written/shared is beyond me…. But I’ve learned (still learning every day) that you simply cannot change other people’s actions/thoughts/behaviors. Some people have difficult “coping” methods, and although it can be hurtful when it’s affected you in some way (and difficult to move on/disengage from), at the end of the day… you just continue to be the best person you can be, and continue to have compassion and understanding for others! (Definitely an ongoing life challenge for me, and a lot of people, I’m sure!) 😉
Thanks a million for having a space that I look forward to visiting a few times a week! 😀
Happy February!!
Lisa
Thanks, Lisa!!!
Such a sweet, thoughtful comment – I truly appreciate it! xx
I’m in the overwhelmed camp right now. I deactivated my Facebook feed on my computer so I don’t have to see all of my friends fighting with each other and strangers. It was just too much for me and right now I don’t want to read people’s opinions. I’m really interested in finding a good source for news that is unbiased so I can form my own opinions on all of these issues. It seems like everything I read is not based on facts and just people freaking out. Do you have a favorite source for real reporting that is more in depth than the Skimm?
It’s so overwhelmed!!! Facebook is a scary place right now.
In terms of other news, I really love Quartz! Qz.com! xx
I lovelovelove a fashion blogger who’s not afraid to talk about important world issues. Keep on keepin’ on, PLEASE!
Aw, thank you Kate!!!
Hey Grace,
Longtime reader here and so glad you are talking about these issues in addition to your usual (though still awesome) content. I love fashion and beauty and books and wellness , but to ignore such a huge part of all of our lives would be really strange. The bloggers who haven’t commented on it make me wonder if they are paying attention. And they make me wonder if they are just too scared to say what they think (which given the political climate is understandable). All this to say, good for you; you’re brave, and you are making people think.
Thank you so much, Danielle! xx
Grace, I feel the exact same way. How do I stay woke without spiraling into panic? And thank you for being brave and willing to talk about this stuff on a fashion/beauty blog. I follow a few others who have continued to post their perfect fashion lives as if we aren’t all in an upheaval and THOSE are the ones I consider unfollowing, not the ones who want to have an honest discussion about it with both sides. I think we probably have very similar political viewpoints but I don’t understand why feminism is such a bad word. Boo, equal rights? I too have started a gratitude exercise (a weekly list that goes into a vase so we can read about the awesome things that happened over the year at the end of the year) and am praying nightly for peace. I just want peace. But equality too.
Thank you Carrie. Truly appreciate your support! Love the idea of a gratitude exercise… that’s sort of what the 5 minute journal is about. It’s really helpful!
Thank you for using your voice. Now, more than ever, we need people to take a stand and speak up.
Thank you Courtney – I completely agree!!
Love reading your perspective as always, lady! I’m also head over heels for those statement earrings!
Thank you so much (on both counts), Jenn!!! xx
I don’t have anything to say that hasn’t already been covered by other commenters, but one of my resolutions this year is to be more vocal in support of my favorite bloggers, so this is just one more comment to say keep up the great work! Also, more cat pics on IG please!
Aw, thank you!!!!
And yes – must post more cat pics! You know Tyrion has his own account right? @tyrionpuff! 😉 xoxo
Yes, I follow him too! At this point the number of cat accounts that I follow far outweighs the number of non-cat accounts.
HAHA good. Just making sure 🙂 xo
Grace,
I really do love that you are doing more posts like this. Obviously, I love the blog generally since I get all sorts of great tips from it (who knew cold cream was so wonderful?!). However, these posts really touch my heart.
Great job giving resources to people who may be feeling overwhelmed. When I was at the March in DC, I shut off all notifications to keep my battery going longer and oh man has it been amazing! I only put a few back on (work email… *sigh*) but otherwise they have remained off.
One other thing I want to suggest is for people to write. Not just in the 5 minute journal, although that’s a great tool, but generally. There is something happening in our society today that is bizzare. Lies and gaslighting and fake news. So writing about some of these things helps to keep it all straight as time goes on. You can look back and KNOW that you’re not going crazy. Even if this isn’t shared with anyone else, I suggest everyone do it.
Love you lots!
BSDH
So glad to hear it Bobbi!!! Thanks for taking all the time to comment 🙂 🙂 Hugs from NYC. xx
I’m trying to balance the staying informed & taking productive action with also staying sane. I deleted Twitter awhile ago & am starting to avoid Facebook – it’s been much healthier! No one’s mind is ever changed by a FB rant & it’s just starting to become annoying noise even when you agree with the person.
As a government teacher reading the news is part of my job but I also think it’s important to zone out a bit with a fun blog read or Real Housewives. It can’t be all freak out, all the time. And social media ranting is never good for anyone!
I do really love how you’ve handled sensitive issues. I agree with you but think you are expressing yourself in a way that is personal & introspective versus confrontational or preachy. I would guess most of the readers who felt the need to tell you they are unfollowing you didn’t even read the post but instead saw the word “feminism” & checked out. It’s fairly easy to just skip over the political posts- I’m not sure why after following you knowing you’re liberal suddenly means they can’t handle your thoughts on beauty or fashion. It’s their personal choice but to email you about it & make it a huge deal- that’s just childish.
Thank you for the thoughtful comment and kind words, Kellie! I would imagine blogs are a great escape for you right now!!!
I don’t know if you read Among Other Things (formerly Corals & Cognacs) but she wrote a great post that I think you’ll also enjoy: https://amongotherthings.com/2017/02/should-bloggers-talk-about-politics.html
Have a great weekend! xx
Well said! I actually just wrote a short essay for Huffington Post on the topic of self care and how essential it is to our survival/sanity right now (feel free to give it a read if you want – http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/self-care-during-a-season-of-negativity_us_58941686e4b02bbb1816b918 ). Have a great weekend!
Ahhh Joelle! I LOVE your post! Included it in this week’s weekend links! Thanks for taking the time to comment and share! x
Hi Grace!
I don’t think I have anything to say that hasn’t already been said by so many commenters, but thank you for this wonderful post! I’ve been getting The Weekly Stripe for a while but I know I’ll find myself checking back pretty much daily now 🙂 I find myself hitting the unfollow button quite often now, because to me, social media is a place for me to go to and feel happy and inspired! I don’t want to see people arguing back and forth. I know how important it is to be informed, and I’ve found myself actually searching out news besides TheSkimm haha The past few weeks I’ve been trying to approach everything with a more grateful heart and taking time to actually journal at night. It’s amazing how much better I’ve been sleeping!
Thanks for your wonderful content! I hope you have a great weekend!
Aw thank you for the thoughtful comment Melissa! It makes me so happy to hear that my content is resonating with you.
The journal has helped me so much. Simply taking a few minutes every day to be grateful and positive has made a huge change.
Have a wonderful weekend! x
I thought your feminism post was awesome and if people can’t appreciate a difference in opinion then you don’t want them as readers anyway! You have to write about what motivates you and be true to yourself as this is what your readers ultimately keep coming back for – the authentic you
Re mouse : this exact same thing happened to me 3 years ago. I was terrified and when the trap did catch the mouse (I was in bed and literally woke up to a squealing mouse that was only partially caught and thrashing around for a full hour before it died while I was hyperventilating under the sheets). I remember being so upset and alone and having my male friend come over just made me feel more sad (I am also an independent person who likes their space so it gets to the best of us). After having some long wine fuelled conversations with friends I decided to be more positive and just hope that the universe would send me a handsome rodent catching hero. I got together with my husband 3 months later, was married 6 months after that and had my son 13 months after our wedding. Life can change at any point and looking back I wish I had enjoyed single life more instead of getting caught up in what everyone else was doing and worrying about being left behind. I now think of the mouse experience fondly. Single girl in the city right of passage!
Thanks so much Sarah!!!
And gahhhhhh that is so terrifying! All of my friends warned me against the glue traps for that very reason… eeks!!! Love that it brought you and your husband together. 🙂 Definitely a single girl in the city right of passage!!
Thank you so much for writing this post and being so open and real. I have felt so lost and hopeless with everything that’s happening and the conversations that are played out in the media. I appreciate your point about not equating all conservatives with Trump. We have so much to learn from both sides through open, nonjudgemental dialogue. After reading your link to Hitha’s morning routine, I bought the 5 Minute journal and started this week. Literally every morning one of my things I’m grateful for is a fresh start 🙂
You mentioned volunteering – I’m biased being a teacher, but I would highly recommend volunteering at a school, especially a school for newcomer students. New York has a bunch of schools that are part of the Internationals Network for Public Schools. The one in Oakland, CA has tutoring and classroom volunteer positions and I think working with kids who are here as refugees/immigrants and still stay hopeful has really helped me to keep perspective and know I’m making a change in someone’s life.
Also – I watched a great documentary on Netflix – 13TH – last night. It’s about how the 13th Amendment still allows for slavery in our prison system and how politicians on both sides are responsible for this. It’s not really uplifting, but it’s an insightful analysis of race in our country that made me walk away reexamining the way I think about issues.
Thanks so much for being a very needed voice!
Aw, thank you SO much for the thoughtful comment, Kate!!!
And appreciate the suggestions for volunteering + the documentary (sounds fascinating!!) as well.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. xx
You are strong and inspiring woman, Grace! Excited to follow your story and see how you take a stance while I nod in agreement reading your latest posts 🙂
Thank you Inga! xx
So glad to see you voicing your beliefs unabashedly. I haven’t read your post on feminism yet, but I’m going to do so now and will thank you for it in advance! I agree that it’s totally okay to take a break from the news, but I think it’s important for us to all keep fighting for our rights everyday in whatever way suits us best. As so many activists have been saying, now is not the time to be complacent. It’s all about balance 🙂
Briana
http://www.youngsophisticate.com
Aw thank you Briana!!! Appreciated – and agree, it is about balance.