After one particular challenging day this past week I took to writing as a way of making sense of the day. I choose to write a list of things I was thankful for (mostly people) and things that I was still feeling frustration about. This is what I wrote:
Gratitude for:
The coworker who stepped in by sitting by me and helping me breathe.
The coworker who kept checking in on me throughout the day.
The coworker who remembered I had never seen cacti blooming before this spring and sent me pictures of the flowers in her yard.
The coworker who can always make me smile.
The coworker who gives the best hugs.
The guest who started answering questions for me while I was catching up on data entry.
The guests who graciously formed a translation train from English to Arabic to Pulaar (a native language in Mauritania) so I could speak to a guest.
The child who ran up to me and gave me a hug for no apparent reason other than a need to share joy.
Grievances:
I'm sick of being the bearer of bad news, and telling people that they have COVID.
I hate that the immigration system creates more separation, hurt, and poverty. And that Casa Alitas, because the government relies on it, is a part of that system.
I hate that COVID exists and my world is so consumed by it still. (With the lifting of the national emergency on May 11th however, we are now changing some of our policies, which is exciting.)
I am worried about the strain on Migrant Aid organizations after Title 42 is lifted, and frustrated that these organizations have to exist in the first place.
My grievances are big and gratitudes, though potent, are small. This is something eight months in I am starting to feel in my body. The joys don't carry me as far and the systemic struggles feel insurmountable.
All this to say, I would love to hear people's thoughts, experiences, and advice on how to cope with big feelings and burnout.
Outside of work adventures:
Enjoying a evening hike and picnic at Tanque Verde Falls. And exploring Biosphere 2.
National Parks concert in Phoenix.
Posing with our stickers Harper us made as a parting gift. Harper, thanks for bringing so much energy and laughter to our house these last two months, for being my work buddy, and inspiring us all to sing more. We miss you already! ❤️
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