I felt joy, excitement and power reading this. Well done. I protested with Mary Daly years ago for women’s ordination. It was peaceful and wonderful to feel the support of the male ordanees.
I don’t know why but every time I witness her participate in a protest, I am a sobbing mess of bubbling joy
I attended the march in Chicago. It was equally as powerful and joyful! Agreed we need that energy to break free. Looking forward to your newsletter next week with an update! After the economic blackout, I think a lot of people are looking for a way to organize and be part of change.
So great that you attended the Chicago march. All those simultaneous marches combined made history, I believe, for the largest protest ever ever. It's so important for us to remember that power because we're all still here--it's not like they won the people who attended those marches over or something. And I hope you like my idea next week! :)
What a strong empowering thing you did protesting. Memorable for you. We could have had Two women presidents by now. That aside I have never ever felt so bad about my own country while this guy is in office. I feel So insecure about our future right now. Sad that people believe this jerk and anything he says. I am hopeful they do what is good and right for this country. We need greater role models right now not an angry person in the White House. I am ready to go protest if I have to. No violence. Just standing up for what I believe.
Amen Sally. I am hoping that his extremism wakes the people up who are sleepwalking so we can start creating a country steeped in the values of mutual well-being and generosity...I just called my senators and congressperson this morning. They count every call, even if they don't say anything All our efforts, however seemingly small, help make a difference. Big hugs! <3
Thanks for bringing back those memories of being in DC for the Women’s March. And thanks, too, for putting into words that emotional feeling of joyous marching in sovereignty together. I remember walking through the Denver airport in my pink hat, while on a layover to Dulles. A man in a pink hat was walking towards me and I put up my hand for a high five. No words were spoken, we slapped hands and kept walking — that was the first of many feelings of joy, power, resistance AND togetherness. It was definitely the most life-affirming empowering protest March for me and my first! So I’m really looking forward to what you’ll be sharing with lucky us next week. Thanks again. ❤️
Oh, I love that story Vicky. And all of us are all still here, knowing who we are! I hope my idea will sound like a fun thing to participate in, I'd love to have you be a part of it. :)
Thank you for this. My own post today touches on the difficulty of being creative while the world is on fire. Again. I feel like every time I come to the page that's the only thing I want to say. But I'm getting closer and closer to "getting back my groove."
My daughter and I attended the 2017 Women's March in Boston, and it was glorious. I had never felt so safe or so elated at an event like that, and I'm so grateful I was able to share it with her. You're so right that this time around is sorely lacking in that joy. I'm trying to find my joy. The closest I've come is playing Pink Pony Club over and over and over. ;)
I'm attending a "standout" (not sure why the organizers are choosing not to call it a protest) in my little town north of Boston on Saturday. There's a bigger event happening in the city, but I have some obligations that make the little one down the street more doable. Also, I think it's important to act locally ... even if it's a little scarier because - you know - everyone knows you, and not everyone is kind.
Anyway, I'm having a lot of fun working on my signs. So, that's one way to channel my creative joy.
I so get what you're saying about the difficulty of being creative while the world is on fire. Of course, in many ways and places, the world is always on fire somewhere--I try to remind myself of this as often as possible...but, of course, our own political fires here in the U.S. feel close and dangerous. So glad you are attending a local rally--and that IS it's own kind of bravery rather than marching anonymously in a big city. And "here! here!" to having fun developing your protest signs because that really IS a genuine way to channel creative joy! I hope the rally is a success!
This post made me smile at the memory, just as you described, and my own experience, which I partially shared with a new friend earlier today--twice in one day, noted. I was one of 300+ people who went up to DC from Savannah via planes, trains, buses, and cars. We all carried signs made by a local artist, Panhandle Slim. He made one for every person who marched in DC and for many who marched in Savannah. A local photographer took pictures of individuals and their signs before the march. The collective effort to get him supplies, help distribute them, alongside all the women making and distributing pussy hats, and all the planning and organizing each of us undertook to get to the DC area buoyed us even as we all felt apprehensive about the march and the years to follow. The creative collective was amazing. The march itself was magical. I have never felt the joy and love that I felt that day. Thanks for the reminder. I'm interested in what you've got cookin'.
Wow! Panhandle Slim killing it with the sign making—that’s amazing! And the collective cooperation and creativity of the whole group is truly inspiring. Im blown away by the energy all over the country that drove that whole march from start to finish. Magical. Thank you for sharing this story Tania!
Your words carry so much hope like spring seeds ready to bloom after a long and harsh winter.
I marched locally the summer of 2020 because I needed to walk alongside those who were struggling and hurting. I kept thinking about George Floyd and how scared he must have been. The injustices and turmoil that continued kept me motivated to take action, learn, and understand.
For me joy is about connection. Connecting to self and knowing what lifts me up, soothes my heart, raises my vibration.
It’s about connecting with those I love, who make me laugh, give me the strength to speak up and protect.
Joy is doing what I love, expressing my creativity, and being aligned with my values.
Joy is flowing downstream on a sunny day knowing that all I’m doing creates a better world.
Joy = Kindness, Compassion, Love, Hope
Thank you for sharing your empowering experience. I’m ready for action!
Thank you for your beautiful definition of joy Janine—connection is the secret sauce—we’re as much relationship as we are individuality. I love the way you describe it!
I felt joy, excitement and power reading this. Well done. I protested with Mary Daly years ago for women’s ordination. It was peaceful and wonderful to feel the support of the male ordanees.
I don’t know why but every time I witness her participate in a protest, I am a sobbing mess of bubbling joy
I’m excited to hear about your ideas
Thank you for another wonderful post Sarah
Thank you—and I totally get your response to witnessing her protesting—poignancy is so visceral! 🩷
I attended the march in Chicago. It was equally as powerful and joyful! Agreed we need that energy to break free. Looking forward to your newsletter next week with an update! After the economic blackout, I think a lot of people are looking for a way to organize and be part of change.
So great that you attended the Chicago march. All those simultaneous marches combined made history, I believe, for the largest protest ever ever. It's so important for us to remember that power because we're all still here--it's not like they won the people who attended those marches over or something. And I hope you like my idea next week! :)
What a strong empowering thing you did protesting. Memorable for you. We could have had Two women presidents by now. That aside I have never ever felt so bad about my own country while this guy is in office. I feel So insecure about our future right now. Sad that people believe this jerk and anything he says. I am hopeful they do what is good and right for this country. We need greater role models right now not an angry person in the White House. I am ready to go protest if I have to. No violence. Just standing up for what I believe.
Amen Sally. I am hoping that his extremism wakes the people up who are sleepwalking so we can start creating a country steeped in the values of mutual well-being and generosity...I just called my senators and congressperson this morning. They count every call, even if they don't say anything All our efforts, however seemingly small, help make a difference. Big hugs! <3
Volunteering in any way I can locally to try and make a difference for the marginalized and unseen people.
Love that Meg! Making change in our local communities is huge.
Thanks for bringing back those memories of being in DC for the Women’s March. And thanks, too, for putting into words that emotional feeling of joyous marching in sovereignty together. I remember walking through the Denver airport in my pink hat, while on a layover to Dulles. A man in a pink hat was walking towards me and I put up my hand for a high five. No words were spoken, we slapped hands and kept walking — that was the first of many feelings of joy, power, resistance AND togetherness. It was definitely the most life-affirming empowering protest March for me and my first! So I’m really looking forward to what you’ll be sharing with lucky us next week. Thanks again. ❤️
Oh, I love that story Vicky. And all of us are all still here, knowing who we are! I hope my idea will sound like a fun thing to participate in, I'd love to have you be a part of it. :)
Thank you for this post, Sarah. Yes, we definitely need an infusion of joy in our resistance!
Thank you for this. My own post today touches on the difficulty of being creative while the world is on fire. Again. I feel like every time I come to the page that's the only thing I want to say. But I'm getting closer and closer to "getting back my groove."
My daughter and I attended the 2017 Women's March in Boston, and it was glorious. I had never felt so safe or so elated at an event like that, and I'm so grateful I was able to share it with her. You're so right that this time around is sorely lacking in that joy. I'm trying to find my joy. The closest I've come is playing Pink Pony Club over and over and over. ;)
I'm attending a "standout" (not sure why the organizers are choosing not to call it a protest) in my little town north of Boston on Saturday. There's a bigger event happening in the city, but I have some obligations that make the little one down the street more doable. Also, I think it's important to act locally ... even if it's a little scarier because - you know - everyone knows you, and not everyone is kind.
Anyway, I'm having a lot of fun working on my signs. So, that's one way to channel my creative joy.
I so get what you're saying about the difficulty of being creative while the world is on fire. Of course, in many ways and places, the world is always on fire somewhere--I try to remind myself of this as often as possible...but, of course, our own political fires here in the U.S. feel close and dangerous. So glad you are attending a local rally--and that IS it's own kind of bravery rather than marching anonymously in a big city. And "here! here!" to having fun developing your protest signs because that really IS a genuine way to channel creative joy! I hope the rally is a success!
This post made me smile at the memory, just as you described, and my own experience, which I partially shared with a new friend earlier today--twice in one day, noted. I was one of 300+ people who went up to DC from Savannah via planes, trains, buses, and cars. We all carried signs made by a local artist, Panhandle Slim. He made one for every person who marched in DC and for many who marched in Savannah. A local photographer took pictures of individuals and their signs before the march. The collective effort to get him supplies, help distribute them, alongside all the women making and distributing pussy hats, and all the planning and organizing each of us undertook to get to the DC area buoyed us even as we all felt apprehensive about the march and the years to follow. The creative collective was amazing. The march itself was magical. I have never felt the joy and love that I felt that day. Thanks for the reminder. I'm interested in what you've got cookin'.
Wow! Panhandle Slim killing it with the sign making—that’s amazing! And the collective cooperation and creativity of the whole group is truly inspiring. Im blown away by the energy all over the country that drove that whole march from start to finish. Magical. Thank you for sharing this story Tania!
Your words carry so much hope like spring seeds ready to bloom after a long and harsh winter.
I marched locally the summer of 2020 because I needed to walk alongside those who were struggling and hurting. I kept thinking about George Floyd and how scared he must have been. The injustices and turmoil that continued kept me motivated to take action, learn, and understand.
For me joy is about connection. Connecting to self and knowing what lifts me up, soothes my heart, raises my vibration.
It’s about connecting with those I love, who make me laugh, give me the strength to speak up and protect.
Joy is doing what I love, expressing my creativity, and being aligned with my values.
Joy is flowing downstream on a sunny day knowing that all I’m doing creates a better world.
Joy = Kindness, Compassion, Love, Hope
Thank you for sharing your empowering experience. I’m ready for action!
Thank you for your beautiful definition of joy Janine—connection is the secret sauce—we’re as much relationship as we are individuality. I love the way you describe it!