Balancing Uncertainty with Connection and Hope

Lately it’s been hard to write. There’s so much to focus on and act on and worry about in the (very real) news cycle and world, that writing about myself or what I’m thinking about has been challenging. At night before I sleep I’ve been using full body scans or even sleep stories to calm my mind before bed, and during the day I spend a good portion scouring the news and sending critical emails to any institution I can think of. None of that is particularly fun or interesting to write about.

Yet, themes that do continue to resonate with me are hope and community. Last week I had the joy and pleasure of reuniting with my HHS colleagues to celebrate a 36 year career of a dear colleague and friend. [sidebar: I wish anyone who doubts the value of public service could hear the admiration and love from his children in their speech at his retirement party.] It was bittersweet to share hugs and laughter and stories with my friends while experiencing the sadness and uncertainty overhanging federal employees right now. However, in the days since the party what has stayed with me is the joyfulness of connecting with friends and the very human experience of picking up with beloved friends right where we left off last time.

When I make time for myself and my loved ones, there’s no denying the impact these moments of connections has on my mental health and happiness. It truly becomes evident I (and we) are not alone. Sadly though there are many people in positions of power and monetary influence (*cough* billionaires *cough*) who would like us all to be on virtual platforms all day receiving information funneled through their filters and algorithms. But nothing can replace independent reflection and thought plus hugs from family and friends. I say this in the midst of spending 7 months in a lot of solitude and reflection (so maybe it must be true!).

Sending my own love and hugs to all who read this. We are not alone!

Andy’s Corner

Andy does this really funny thing of propping his head up on a 90 degree angle when napping. My neck could never!! But it brings me joy that he loves this posture so much. Sometimes I see Dante copying his big step-brother in this pose but haven’t caught it on camera… yet!

Arts and Crafts

During my sabbatical I’ve thrown one baby shower and crafted activities for a second shower. Both times I deployed the time honored craft of free-form painting. Most recently, we purchased cotton bibs (lined with fleece, so cozy!) and I provided fabric paint, brushes, and stamps for party goers to design their own bib for the upcoming baby. This was so fun and almost all designed a bib. It was fun to play art teacher and give encouragement and some design advice to grown adults playing with paint and art. I love seeing the wide range of directions everyone took their bib. I also led the group in baby-themed charades, which was a blast and such a throwback.

Things I’ve Been Enjoying

• Rereading the book Cultish by Amanda Montell. I read this a few years ago and I (annoyingly, I’m sure) recommend it to literally everyone I know. It is such a thoughtful and interesting linguistic analysis of why some people fall into group-think (in a variety of contexts) and what to look out for in our modern world of language-information-overload.

• Getting more involved in civic engagement. I was able to schedule a meeting with staff for one of my NC Senators while I was in DC to talk about DOGE, and I was very glad I did. It was interesting, I felt my voice was taken seriously, and it felt good to complain in person.

• Using our local library. Dating and living with a librarian has many perks, including learning about all the amazing things libraries offer (other than books). Dennis and I have been watching a great variety of movies rented from the library (played using his PS5)—I love going to the shelves and perusing the options. Dennis also leverages the purchase request function to great effect for things he wants to watch! I also utilized the Durham Library’s small business center and have had a great experience. Do not underestimate our local libraries! Particularly now as we reevaluate where we want to use our time and resources.