“We are often sold this light reform as revolution and hold that it’s the most we can hope for because those trying to sell it to us know that it will buy them time to strengthen their hold on power and make real change harder to accomplish.” - Ijeoma Oluo, Be a Revolution

Those who voted for him and are hurt by his policies are going to need us. As bitter of a pill it is to swallow, it's in our best interest to help because that stops the pattern of division and gives them a chance to remember who we are as a nation. Love can be a radical act of defiance.

What are some books that helped you become a better person? Interpret that however you'd like.

harpers.org/archive/1941...

The arc of the moral universe does not have an auto-pilot.

Speaking truth to power is terrifying. Those whom you speak against gaslight you. Everyone else thinks there's something wrong with you or labels you as a whiny complainer. In extreme cases, they kill you.

Kindness, gentleness, service, pacifism, building bridges, and uplifting the disempowered isn't popular - especially in timelines like this one. Wisdom is almost always hidden away in a meek, minority voice. I'm going to miss President Carter.

If it doesn't come from a place of compassion, it is the wrong approach.

Let’s pardon student loans next.

This is going to piss a lot of men off, but ignore them, too!

Did chart reviews all day and now I am thinking about a paper frequently cited by Narrative Therapists written by Danika Overmars about diagnosis a naming ceremony. One of my biggest pet peeves is when therapists diagnose clients when there's no evidence of relevant symptoms. Don't do this.

I'm having dinner tonight with someone willing to hear me out about why I voted how I voted. The gulf feels enormous, but I keep thinking of this Erich Fromm quote: "Love is the active concern for the life and the growth of that which we love. Where this active concern is lacking, there is no love."

I might have panic purchased a 2 year supply of tea this week in response to a tariff fear. I also learned the name of a tea my ex's Chinese boss used to make me when I was sick (Eight Treasures). I plan on buying the ingredients and making my own.

Heartening read.

jamesfell.substack.com/p/the-moral-...

Book rec of the week: "King, Warrior, Magician, Lover" by Robert Moore and Douglas Gillette

Masculinity explored through the lens of Jungian archetypes. Highly relevant. Affiliate link: amzn.to/3Ob5WVy