celebrate

More signs of progress

| jamiefeinberg

Take a moment and breathe with me, will you? 

Feel yourself wherever you are. Whether you’re standing, sitting, lying down, feel yourself on the surface you’re on. Touch an object (maybe try this device?) and observe the temperature and texture of it. Notice fine details you haven’t noticed before. 

We are still here, friend. Let’s celebrate the little wins. You made it to today. 

Photo of a monarch butterfly on a branch by Erik Karits

As much as there continues to be more horrendous news, I am seeing signs of progress regularly this week in the fight toward defending human rights and preventing more atrocities. Read on for more of the progress I am seeing ( in the United States, predominantly), if that interests you. And if not; go find some joy, and keep breathing! You’ve got this. 

More signs of progress: 

The unelected billionaire seems to be displeasing the Rump – or at least, seems to be leaving the prominent position he’s in. While I don’t trust any of that being simply face value, I am happy for signs of tension in that relationship. Cautiously optimistic, I’d say. 

A great win in the courts in Montana this week for transgender and intersex (and any gender-noncomforming folks who might also be persecuted) folks in Montana. Their extreme bathroom bill was struck down! 

Wisconsin’s election was NOT bought by Elon. His $25 Million could have gone so far, but instead he threw it at a candidate who was resoundingly defeated. 

And while Florida’s election for two house seats was still easily won by Republicans, it was a MUCH lower margin than in November. Progress. 

I’m also hearing more and more horror stories making headlines about visas being revoked. So while it’s disgusting that students and professionals alike are being deported or told to self-deport due to having an opinion the government doesn’t like, I’m heartened by how much people are talking about it and making noise about it to their reps. 

And of course, I have to shout out Cory Booker, who spoke on the floor for more than 25 hours to make “good trouble” and make sure we know and understand that this administration is NOT normal and it’s NOT okay. 

As I walked outside today before writing this, I enjoyed a gorgeous blue sky. I’ve recently booked another speaking gig and gotten myself a new part-time job I am thrilled about in addition to the beautiful mental fitness, coaching and Enneagram work I am privileged to share with the world. 

I hope that whatever your own situation is, you’re finding signs of progress too. And if you have one, please consider sharing it with me! 

Take care, and keep fighting the good fight. And remember, rest is resistance. Find joy. Be love. One step, and one day, at a time. 

Curious about working with me? Want to learn more about what’s keeping you stressed or stuck? Book a saboteur assessment here, or learn more about the Enneagram here.

Celebrating But Staying Flexible

| jamiefeinberg

It’s been a good week here in the RV. We’ve gotten some clarity around options for the future and we got offered a fun job recording a song. We’re doing our best to stay focused, but with all that’s going on in the world, we’re each taking time to a) advocate for the causes and people who need it (namely BIPOC) and to b) take some time to check in with each other and try to make sense of everything in the world right now.

As someone born to a Jewish father, with Jewish family, the anti-Semitism has been particularly frightening to experience this week. I know it’s nothing like being a black person, or a trans person, in our country right now, but it’s so strongly reminiscent of Hitler that it’s really tough not to worry if we aren’t doing enough or if it’s even too late to stop this train.

But I promised you I’d talk about celebrating right now, and honestly, I think that’s important. When we all have tons of extra stress right now, carrying the burdens of the world, having our own opinions and beliefs challenged, facing the constant stress of racism or persecution and of course of COVID…it’s a very tough time. So taking time, as you can, when you can, for little celebrations can be key to maintaining some level of normalcy or joy.

June is a big month for us. We got married in June, and my birthday is in June – this week in fact. Because I’d also set a financial goal for June (and hit it!), I had scheduled an incredible nine course meal and wine pairing to celebrate at Walt Disney World, on my birthday.

Well, you’ll be shocked to know that the reservation was canceled – and honestly, with COVID, I’m kind of glad it was canceled, because it would have been really hard to say no to attending if they’d been open right now.

So in its place, we’re celebrating my birthday in a bigger way than usual, with fancier food and drinks, Jeni’s ice cream and a gluten-free cake. I was also able to take today off (Friday), giving me a coveted three day weekend! Always a treat as I’m self-employed and don’t get any paid vacations.

Even if your own celebration looks different from mine – a luxurious bath? Fancy tea? Backyard distancing with a friend? – I hope you’re finding time and the means for a treat now and then. Ross and I have also recently put in an order for a mystery box – it’s like an escape room, except without a timer and with a mystery focus. There are also lots of “date night” boxes out there if you need ideas for those. You can do them as monthly subscriptions or, in some cases, as one-off boxes.

I think the key to celebrating right now is flexibility. Go into things knowing your favorite food may not be available right now, and you may need to make due without or change up the day if you run out of key ingredients for a cake before grocery day (eggs, perhaps?). Trying to be open and thankful each day is really saving me right now. (It was super helpful when I found out my day off would be full of thunderstorms, so a garden walk was out of the question!)

Thanks for reading, and stay well. Be safe and take care of each other.

______________________________

Supporting Our Blog

We are so thankful for your support of our blog and our careers! You can help by doing any or all of the following:

  • Purchase one of Ross’ albums!
  • Become a patron of our work!
  • Make purchases via our Amazon website links. There is no additional cost to you, and a portion of the proceeds can support our travels. Begin your Amazon search here.
  • Make other purchases using our affiliate links. Capital One 360 is one everyone can take advantage of to save money! Signing up with Dosh is a great way for everyone with a smartphone to support us, and we also have options for aspiring virtual assistants as well as occasional and full-time RVers to save money.
  • Listen to, subscribe and review our theater comedy podcast, Finishing The Season!
  • Subscribe to our blog, as well as perhaps InSearchOfAScoop.com, and recommend our work to your friends and family.
  • Take music or theater lessons (group or private) from us, either in person or via Skype at TinyVillageMusic.com.