When Our Hearts Ache

Thoughts from International Women's Day 2024

Quote by the incredible poet & activist Audre Lorde. Artwork by Maxine Sarah

My Heart Aches

My heart weeps and rages

For the Palestinian women still displaced, starving, suffering.

For the Israeli women still held hostage.

For American women fearing the loss of more reproductive rights.

For all women facing violence in the world.

Our tender hearts ache so easily,

But do not let them go numb.

Let our hearts ache and rage.

Let them rest.

Then repeat.

---

Rest and Resist

I did not expect my Inner Artist to write this little poem today. Friday was International Women’s Day and it left me pensive all weekend, especially on how the war in Gaza disproportionately impacts women.

My Inner Artist took my despair, fear, and frustration and helped me sit with it. I used to write poems often as a kid, especially when processing hard feelings. As an adult, I tend to dive into research mode, take what actions I can to help, and then feel guilty that I need rest when so many are suffering.

But rest is essential. Our minds and hearts are not meant to be plugged into the never-ending scroll of news and information. Compassion fatigue makes us numb. Oppressive systems want us to burn out, to give up, to turn away. As Tricia Hersey teaches us, “rest is resistance”. It allows us to slow down, recharge, and fight the long fight. Rest keeps our hearts open.

“You don’t have to always be creating, doing, and contributing to the world.”
― Tricia Hersey, Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto

Take Heartfelt Action

In whatever ways you can. Some suggestions:

• Donate to Women for Women International to help women in Gaza

• Call or email your state reps

• Set limits on your news and media intake¹

• Listen to We Can Do Hard Things podcast Episode 287 Alabama IVF Ruling: How to Stop the Attacks on Infertility Treatments & Reproductive Health

• Follow

  Jessica Yellin
  and her News Not Noise substack

• Learn the warning signs of compassion fatigue

• Talk to loved ones about what’s on your heart²

• Try creating something to help process hard feelings

• Take breaks & take care ❤️

Question For Your Inner Artist

• Do I have any hard feelings right now that I need to process? What creative activity could help me feel unstuck?

With love,
Kim

1. Removing social media from my phone 2 years ago was such an important change for my mental health. I still have my accounts that I can access on my tablet or laptop, but it drastically limits doom scrolling.

2. Thanks for listening to me rant earlier today, Dad!