Sunday Confessional: fractured focus

/ Tracy Abell

Tomorrow is the return of Agent Orange and his merry band of billionaires who are hell-bent on inflicting violence on the most vulnerable members of society while further consolidating the billionaires’ wealth and power. Tragically, there is no opposition party as the Democrats are too busy enabling horrific policies (see Laken Riley Act) which they believe will elevate their standing in voters’ eyes. But I digress.

The purpose of this post is to say upfront that I don’t anticipate posting much in the next couple months despite the hell that’s been promised by those odious mobsters and soulless ghouls. Why? Because Zippy and I are preparing to move out of state at the beginning of March. We’ve lived in this home for nearly 28 years which means we’ve accumulated lots of stuff. (Good time to revisit the genius of George Carlin!) I’ve been giving away things at a pretty good clip for months now and still lie awake in the middle of the night, seized with panic about getting everything sorted before the moving van arrives. Where did all that stuff come from?!

The good news is that downsizing is liberating. The other good news (on a purely personal level) is that sorting through decades of stuff means I literally don’t have time to wade into the ugliness of our reality right now. BUT, I’ve taken steps to help me get locked in to our new community once we’re settled in Washington (we’re looking at the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, so please holler if that’s near you!).

The incomparable Mariame Kaba organized online workshops at the end of 2024 to get people ready for what’s coming, and I was able to participate in three of them: “Where Do I Begin: Identifying Social Change Roles and Ecosystems,” “We’re All We’ve Got: Mutual Aid for Survival and Resistance,” and “Move the Needle: Activism for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers.” Each workshop included tons of resources I’d love to share (so please ask!) A big takeaway came from Shannon Downey who led the Move the Needle workshop: she recommends choosing ONE ISSUE and focusing on that for the rest of our lives. I’ll write more on that idea later and will add this image as a placeholder for now:

“It can be overwhelming to witness/experience/take in all the injustices of the moment. The good news is that they’re all connected, so if your little corner or work involves pulling at one of the threads, you’re helping to unravel the whole damn cloth.” ~ Ursula Wolfe-Rocca

This quote really puts that ONE ISSUE idea into context. I’m thinking/hoping the one issue approach will alleviate my Whack-a-Mole tendencies that lead to burnout.

Anyway, Shannon Downey wrote a beautiful book that I bought and look forward to reading when I have time. Let’s Move the Needle: An Activism Handbook for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers. I’d love to read and discuss with other creative folks, so please let me know if you’d like to do that with me. We might be in different locations, but we’re still all connected in the struggle.

Okay, there are literally hundreds of books calling for my attention right now. And photos. And pillows….why oh why do we have so many pillows?! Thank you for reading and please know I appreciate you and your kind heart.

14 thoughts on “Sunday Confessional: fractured focus”

  1. “…choosing ONE ISSUE and focusing on that for the rest of our lives.” is a great strategy. Do one thing we’ll with love and care.
    Eventually there will be a critical mass of these “building blocks” that we find ourselves in a more just and caring society.

    My ONE ISSUE focus is justice for Indigenous Peoples, though I do wander into other interesting diversions to keep life interesting.

    Liked by 2 people

    • I love that you’ve already locked into this mindset, Jasper, advocating for Indigenous justice! And I also love your suggestion to “do one thing well with love and care.” That makes everything feel more manageable, in my mind. Solidarity!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Congratulations on your move and getting rid of all your stuff! Sounds like you’re moving to another beautiful place with lots of wildlife to capture on camera! And, of course, Solidarity!

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  4. Tracy, I can well understand your need to focus on such a major move. I wish you and Zippy all the best throughout the moving process. I send out an advance “Welcome to the West Coast!”
    Thanks for sharing the link about the Laken Riley Act. As brown-skinned legal immigrants, I fear for the well-being of myself and two sons. As if life on an overheated planet doesn’t have enough challenges! I enjoyed the George Carlin video clip on “Stuff” 😀 I wish he were still around.

    Liked by 2 people

    • It is busy, Becky, and it is also a gift right now. I’m excited to move to another beautiful place where I can explore and experience new things. I’m grateful to have the privilege to do so. You take good care of yourself, too.

      Liked by 1 person

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