Finding inspiration and a rant

As I was taking a walk in my neighborhood the other day, I couldn’t help but be struck by the calmness of the area, and the beauty waiting to be found if one stopped for long enough to see it. It was late in the evening, later than I normally am outside, and the sun had almost disappeared beneath the horizon, but there was still just enough light to catch on the clouds and color the darkening sky with pinks and oranges. The smell of smoke hung in the air, lingering from the charcoal grills still cooling off from their dinnertime use. And fireflies flitted about, little pinprick flashes of light sparking up the night.

It is nights like that one that remind me to slow down and take in the space around me. To let myself be inspired again by what I find in nature. Sometimes the world is so hectic and we become focused on the hustle and business of our lives, that it is easy to lose sight of the things that reenergize and inspire us. But it is so important to remember to take the time to recharge and take care of ourselves—by taking a walk, reading a good book, listening to some music, or doing whatever else that may look like for you.

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As I am writing this post, the news cycle is filled with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending almost 50 years of precedent and sending a message to many of us, especially young people, that our bodies to not belong to us. This decision also puts other rights protected by the 14th Amendment under threat. This decision will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the lives of many, and it is a horrifying step backward. I want to take a moment to encourage people to speak out about this, call your representatives, donate if you are able to, and continue to vote in every election. Please also take care of yourselves and your mental health—there is a long road ahead.

xxVivien