where wellbeing meets politics

When Justice Is Not Enough
We're closing out 2019 in a big way with free CTZN hats and a special online immersion all about finding joy as we fight for justice in the new year -- all for our community on Patreon! Head here to learn more about how to claim your hat and access Thursday's Joy & Justice webinar with cultural disruptor Anasa Troutman and our founder Kerri Kelly.
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Often in justice work, we become so focused on what needs to be corrected that we fail to aim higher. And it's no wonder we lower the bar, we are up against so much that is wrong and unjust and corrupt, that anything is better. But is it? 

While we have a criminal in the White House, should we just settle for a non-criminal? Should we build more ethical prisons and not better schools? Should we stop family separation and not fight for a path to citizenship? Should we ask women to lean in and not demand pay equity and paid family leave policies? 

When did our dreams get so small? Our relentless pursuit of equality is the baseline, the bare minimum of the so-called American Dream. But don't we want more for ourselves and one another? Like the conditions to thrive, or the choice to be well on our terms, or the ability to express our whole selves, or the freedom to experience pleasure and unfettered joy. 

While we continue to fight for justice and correct anything and all that is in the way of love, let us keep our eye on the prize and risk everything for joy and liberation for all. 

Kerri (she/hers) 
IT'S GO TIME
On Tuesday, the House unveiled two articles of impeachment: abuse of power and obstruction. You can read them here. And there to mark the occasion was Maxine Waters who was the first to call for impeachment. The truth is, Trump is guilty of far more than these articles and the the future of our democracy depends on holding him accountable. We're gathering in DC on Dec 19th to make it happen (Sign up). The question, now, isn't whether the house will impeach, the question is whether the Senate will uphold its constitutional duty and remove an unfit president from office. Here's the breakdown of the vote (start calling). And impeaching Donald Trump is already a win for Democrats in 2020. But it's not over. First, we impeach. Then, we vote. 
 
THEY/THEM/THEIRS
Merriam-Webster dictionary just announced they/them personal pronouns as the word of the year. The word "they" was looked up 313% more this year than last, had a new sense added in September, and is common in both public and personal communication. But even before Merriam-Webster or Oxford Dictionary acknowledged the word meaning, our friends at Radical Copy-editor had already created a style guide for how to Respect singular they as a personal pronoun and use it appropriately. If this is all new to you, here's a helpful article about why it matters and what to do when you slip up. Art by @themhealth
SPIRITUAL GASLIGHTING
Is the self-help industry gaslighting you with messages of "positive vibes only" or "just manifest it"? Do you feel like your truth, feelings, experiences aren't welcome or validated in spiritual spaces? Well, you're not alone. Spiritual gaslighting is real and rampant in the wellness industry. What is gaslighting? Here's a good breakdown. While spiritual gaslighting is often an indicator that the person gaslighting you is unable to deal with their own pain and is projecting it onto you, it's also a method of control designed to uphold systems of power and keep everyone "in line". Rachel Carlge says "maybe you manifested it, maybe it's white privilege". It's time we discern the difference and disrupt the narrative. Art by @jenpavich
FROM JUSTICE TO JOY
It is often hard to find joy in justice, especially given the times. But as Anasa Troutman taught us in the last CTZN podcast, joy is an essential to justice work. "Joy requires radical truth. Seek out, listen to and tell the whole truth. And then let your heart be open to hold both the joy and the pain of our shared story.” Justice calls us not only to correct whatever is in the way of love but it also invites us to live into that love. Being joyful in the face of injustice is not a betrayal to the movement or to those who are struggling. It’s a radical act of resistance in how it defies culture’s demand for our relentless proving, performing and pleasing and affirms our wholeness. Joy includes the pain and heartbreak of justice and responds with miracles and moments of grace. Art by @chaninicholas
FOR YOU
It's easy to get overwhelmed by everything that's happening to our people and planet. But to build a sustained movement for a future where everyone can thrive, connecting to joy isn't a luxury -- it's absolutely essential. One of our favorite people (and recent CTZN Podcast guest!) Anasa Troutman is joining Kerri TOMORROW (Thursday) for a special online immersion about cultivating joy in this sacred work of fighting for justice as we head into an intense year. To get access *and* a free CTZN hat, head over to Patreon and join the community of spiritual activists and wellbeing warriors who make our work possible.
PERSON OF THE YEAR
It seems like the theme of TIME's people of the year is individuals/groups who are scaring the shit out of the heteropatriarchy. They just named Greta Thunberg the youngest "Time Person Of the Year" but whose bold activism scares men silly. Or Lizzo who is ruffling all sorts of feathers with her uncensored twerking and breaking the internet along the way (the backlash is about so much more than a thong). Finally, the US National Women's Soccer Team, who has been accused of being "too loud" and "too showy" in their accomplishments is taking no prisoners and demanding equal pay and play. These disruptors are making their mark on history and showing us how it's done. 
WELLread is produced by CTZNWELL, a collective that's mobilizing the wellness community to take action for the health and justice of all people. Was this email forwarded to you? Find out more about us and subscribe.






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