the duality of pain and joy
I have typed and deleted the first paragraph of this post so many times, so I just decided to go with this one. So many things have been weighing heavy on my heart these past two-and-a-half weeks, especially as a Mexican American living in the LA area. It seems wrong to go on sharing on here, without first addressing the pain that the immigrant community is experiencing here at home.
I don’t know if I have anything of substance to add, other than to remind myself that it’s possible to hold both pain and joy at the same time. Personally it’s felt a bit strange to be promoting books, totes, and my coaching services during a time where people I know are living in fear of not seeing their parents and/or other loved ones come home. Yet, I was gently reminded this week that part of my responsibility in all this is to show up, both as a healer and an artist. I honor my own immigrant lineage by honoring the work that I have chosen to dedicate myself to. The celebration of a dream does not negate compassion; there is space for both to coexist.
Perhaps this note is for me alone, or maybe there is someone that’s felt this similar conflict within themselves. What I do know is that I’ve had conversations with a few people in my life that have backed away from being vocal about their own good news while wanting to make space for what’s happening. Be gentle with yourself and know that there is space for both.
xoxo,
Lizzy
this was so beautifully said. it’s so hard to continue operating when there is so much tragedy, chaos, and destruction. believing in your work as an artist is vital, and continuing to create light in a dark time.