I rarely send out emails more than once per week, but... this is not a "normal" week.
Our world does not feel
OK right now. You've seen the news. You've heard about people being detained and interrogated at airports, people stranded in limbo, separated from their families. You've heard about the shootings. The hate crimes. The nonsensical violence. I don't need to regurgitate
a list of all the problems we're facing. You already know.
What I'd like to do — in this email — is share some reminders and resources to help you feel energized, brave, and strong. Because we have big work to do — and we need all the strength we can get.
1. Remember that you have a voice and you can use your voice to speak up for those who are being demonized, discarded, banned, and threatened. Every conversation matters.
2. Remember that there's always "something" you can do to make the world a better
place — even if you only have a few minutes to spare. My friend Nicole put together a short list of ideas to consider.
3. Remember that taking care of your physical body is not optional. Hydrate. Sleep. Schedule your yoga classes and workout sessions in
advance. Fuel yourself with food that makes you feel awake and alive.
It's really hard to peel yourself out of bed — let alone write, speak up, and work to create positive change — if you're hungover, fuzzy-headed, dehydrated and exhausted. Please take care of yourself.
If you'd like to move your body today, I love this free, gentle bedtime yoga class, which you can do in your bedroom at night, or whenever you need to de-stress. I also highly recommend these gloves if you're interested in trying some weightlifting. Lifting has given me a whole new
level of confidence and empowerment. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
4. Remember that when you find the courage to share a personal story — a story about your faith, a story about your sexuality, a story
about something that happened to you — your story could open someone's eyes. Your story could change someone's mind. Your story could help someone to see the world in a completely different light. Your story does matter. If you can, please tell it.
5. Remember that there are people out there who love you and care about you, even if they've never met you. If you feel really shaky right now, and if you just need someone to say, "You are strong. You are loved. You're going to survive," then please hit REPLY to this email and say, "Alex, I could really use a pep talk." Tell me what's up. I'll respond and I'll send you some love. That's a
promise.
You are so strong. Growing stronger every day. Don't forget it.
Love,
-Alex
PS. I love this quote: "The time is always right to do what is right."
—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
PPS. If you need some new music in your life... I've been listening to the Hamilton Mixtape pretty much nonstop. I've also been enjoying this Deep House mix (hypnotic beats, great for long work sessions at your computer) and this Dreamy Vibes playlist (for quiet nighttime reflection). Thank God for music. And yoga. And coffee. And sweat. And kind people. And optimism.
