Why are we experiencing a collective sense of anger, exhaustion, and sadness right now?

It’s BEEN a WEEEEEK! Whether you’re a person who ‘doesn’t like to talk about politics’ or someone who breathes tenets of racial justice with every breath, this week has caused us to rethink our very existence here on planet earth. Consciously, we see what’s happening. But we’re not always aware of the unconscious effects until they manifest in uncharacteristic ways, usually blindsiding us. 

EVERYONE I’ve spoken with this week has had to pause in order to make sense out of what's happening. With each day, most of us have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, including anger, exhaustion, and sadness - collectively. But why?

1.We develop ‘parasocial relationships’ with people we’ve never met. - Even though we don’t ‘know’ them personally, we spend so much time following our icons and appreciating the meaning, representation, and value they add to our lives, that we feel as if ‘we know them’. We get so invested in their journeys that when they’re gone, the psychological effects can be the same. But there are no social supports for ‘parasocial grieving’, outside of mourning like we’ve all been doing, via social media. Loss of any kind is hard. This type of loss may even trigger emotions related to other losses of close family and friends you’ve had.  

2.Order, acknowledgement, and human decency are lacking. - The people who are supposed to be our checks and balances, maintaining order, have checked out. Many close to us have chosen willful ignorance over logic, empathy, and truth. Attempts at convincing others of our humanity appear futile. It’s unbelievable. It hurts. But it’s our reality at the moment. 

3. We’re being bombarded with more and more and more - We can’t stay in a state of fight or flight indefinitely. And that’s why we’re so tired because our bodies and minds have been in a constant state of acute stress. We’ve been dealing with loneliness, loss on so many levels, health, financial, and security issues. It’s hard to resolve one issue, before we’re burdened with the next. 

So what do we do now?

1.Realize your reactions are completely HUMAN - You’re not delusional. What we’re going through ALL at once is absolutely outside of the norm. 

2.Disconnect when you need to - Whether it be social/news media or people irl. 

3.Don’t allow yourself to be consumed with fear or guilt - This will block your ability to tap into your strengths (aka...superpowers). 

4.Invest time in the things that really matter - Pretty sure this year has shown you what those are by now. 

5. Do what you can - Get some fresh air, rest, exercise, socially-distanced human interaction, explore healthy ways to cope, and focus on what you can control.

6. Stay hopeful and don’t stop fighting - It’s #intentional...everyday. 

7. Spread love - More love is what we need. 

I love you...now go tell someone else the same. #teamintentional #intentionalactivities