Reader,

I’ve written and rewritten this email so many times. I haven't written you since before the inauguration, due to sickness, and now the words feel stuck. There are so many things to say, and at the same time, I have no idea what to say. I want to be helpful. I want to give guidance and support. I want to serve.

But I don’t know what you need. I don’t know how you’re feeling about everything that’s happening in the world. I don’t know how it affects you, your family or your work. There is so much happening, so quickly, and figuring out how to show up isn’t easy right now.

I’ve realized all I can do today is share with you some of the things I’ve been pondering, and some of the steps I’ve taken to make sure I live in alignment with my values:

• I’m seriously considering leaving Meta. This is scary as it’s the source of many of my clients, and a place where I feel connected to family, friends and my small town community. And with my plan to publish a book this year, promoting it without my Facebook connections feels devastating. I don’t know yet. But I am on Bluesky now and would love to connect with you there.​
• I’m adjusting my business strategy for less dependence on social media and doubling down on bringing my workshops to organizations. This gives me the opportunity to get therapeutic writing in front of more people, including leaders in our society who could benefit from compassionate self-inquiry and a stronger connection to self through the written word.
• I’m making deeper commitments to my writing as activism. More intersectional feminism. More feminist spirituality. More decolonization. And more sexy stuff too ;) I’m in the middle of Roxanne Gay’s Masterclass on Writing for Social Change, and it is soothing my soul. Speaking up for what’s right is a big part of what I’m here to do.
• I’m focusing on love - loving myself, my family, my community. This looks like less time on screens, more time doing the little things: playing games, reading, cooking, chats with neighbours. Being IN the world, rather than just observing it through my phone. Disconnection for reconnection.

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I have hope. I really do. I think this is it. I think this is when we figure it out, when we realize we’ve been fooled/programmed/distracted. I think this is when we rise, and love wins. Sometimes I feel naive or simple for saying it, but I truly believe, in the end, love will win. It’s so much stronger than hate, so much stronger than power and greed. If we choose to love fiercely, I think we’ll get through this.

But I mean it, LOVE FIERCELY. HUMANITY LEVEL LOVE. Love thy neighbour kind of love. Speak up. Protect others. Educate yourself. Care for those in need. Align your money with your values. Protest. Hug. Donate. Pray. Write and call government officials. Volunteer. Create.

And have faith that fierce love - love in action - changes the world.

Some fierce love links:

​Excellent comedic commentary on the privilege of white women by Michelle Wolf​

​Citizen’s letter to demand cooperation from the Liberals, NDP, Green and Bloc parties in the next Canadian election to try and avoid a Conservative government​

​The Elham Fund - A Palestinian-led Canadian Non-Profit getting funds directly into the hands of people in Gaza who need support to rebuild their lives​

Let's love as fiercely as we can.

In solidarity,

Parrish

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