Thank you so much Jessica! I am 58 years old and have struggled with depression on and off since I was 18. It’s been brutal some days. So sometimes I get a little too overwhelmed and hopeless but I always bounce back and I look forward to your good news email each week. Today I made the HUGE mistake of admitting I felt demoralized by this past week and the comedian/activist whose IG I posted this on just tore into me telling me that’s what the fascists want, I’m just giving them a gift, they’ve succeeded, etc. It was degrading and dehumanizing. I deleted it and said you don’t have to shame me; or patronize me and no matter what I always get back up to fight. What he doesn’t know is that I am one of the strongest, most stubborn people I know and I’ll NEVER give up this fight. I’ve gone 40 years through major depression on/off (probably longer than he’s been alive) but I’m still here. Thank you for being the energy and guiding light and letting us know exactly what we need to do every day to fight for democracy!
I’m so sorry that happened to you. It is totally OK to admit that you feel demoralized sometimes. And I’m so glad that you’re still here determined to fight anyway. You are a true hero thank you.
First, fuck that comedian. Second, lifelong survivor here 🙋🏼♀️. After decades of therapy, I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 in 2022 while I was living in Mexico. It manifests primarily as depression, so is almost always misdiagnosed, and it’s common for it to take a lifetime (I was 64). Staying alive, when you’ve lived your entire life with major depression and anxiety, is a daily struggle. Remember, you are stronger than most. Thanks for being here. I agree, Jessica’s weekly good news is like a cold drink on a hot day. (Also check out Jay Kuo’s weekly For Skeets and Giggles, which also keeps me going.)
I'm so sorry you were attacked in this way. He probably mistakenly thought he was giving you a bracing pep talk.
I am very fortunate and don't have a history of depression. When I get discouraged I tell myself that giving up is exactly what the fascists want.
But, of course, giving myself a pep talk is a totally different kettle of fish than trying the same tactic with a stranger on the internet. I wouldn't even use it on a close friend IRL since you rarely know someone as well as you think you do.
Thanks. I’ll definitely allow for the fact that he doesn’t know my history, but after his comments I didn’t want to get into it. I admit I am so furious at what these fascists have done to the country - that’s what keeps me going. That’s why I’ll never give up!
No, of course not! I just wanted to point out that the comment might not have been **intentionally** cruel. Of course that probably doesn't help much. But determination will!!
It takes courage to admit feeling demoralized. Anyone who says they haven’t felt that way these past months is doing a pretty good job lying to themselves and others, I think! Just as bravery does not mean an absence of fear, so fighting for one’s values when they are being assaulted doesn’t mean you feel great at every moment or somehow you’ve “given up.” I struggle with anxiety every damn day - so if that was the case, I’d have given up long ago (and I haven’t!)
Thank you. Yes, I thought surely I can’t be the only one in the last 5 months who has felt beaten down occasionally? The whole point of me being on the IG is because I wanted to hear what he had to say since he’s a great organizer and speaker. Anyway there are sooooo many other people I can get in for from. I’m so sorry you have anxiety - that’s rough too - so thank YOU for not giving up! 😊
Hello! I am also 58 and remember having my first bout with depression around the age of 8. Of course I didn't have the name for it, but I vividly remember the feeling.
I am so proud of you for fighting all these years. Treatments for mental illness have improved since we were "youngsters." Some people just don't understand the strength it takes to successfully navigate chronic depression.
Comedians do what they do and often their humor is at the expense of others. It says everything about them and nothing about you.
Sending a big hug to a sister survivor and thriver! Thank you for sharing your story. I guarantee sharing your story helps others! :)
Oh wow! Definitely a sister and survivor. Thank YOU for sharing your struggles. Eight is so young but depression comes at any age. I was 18 and in my freshman year of college and I also didn’t have a name for it because I just never imagined it could be depression. Thank you for your kind words - I often wonder what my life would’ve been like without depression but that’s sort of a waste of time so I don’t dwell too often. Yeah it’s almost impossible for people who’ve not experienced chronic depression to understand what you feel. Big hug back atcha. Thank you for also sharing your story and being so understanding about mine. It’s rare to feel really heard with this! 🥰
I live just east of Annapolis - across the bridge on the finer shore as they say. Last Friday, I was driving to BWI. I was so excited to see these lovely ladies on the overpass on 50. Their sign said, "Honk to Stop Cuts!" I laid on my horn and had the biggest smile on my face. SO excited to see them! I co-founded an Indivisible group in our area - the only red district in MD. Seeing any resistance just makes my heart so happy!
That is wonderful!! Are you on Kent island or further out?
I grew up in PG county and am very familiar with Route 50. My brother lives in "South" (Anne Arundel) County and he participated in a visibility protest at the Annapolis Mall that I found for him. (I live in Charlotte NC now).
I should check and find the nearest Indivisible group to him and encourage him to join. It's party of my bossy big sister persona!! ;-)
KI - I believe there are two in AACO. We went to a protest at Annapolis Mall, too, back in April. There were so many people there. And besides a few Trumpers, we had lots of support.
You missed the news about the buffalo in Colorado. They are now protected so that they CAN NOT be killed just because they crossed the border from a state where they are protected.
We ran our 14th Tesla Takedown protest today. One of our number calculated that in a 2-hour period, roughly 3,600 cars pass us and see our signs. That means we’ve given hope and courage to possibly 30,000+ passersby just in our neighborhood alone. Jessica, your efforts keep us hopeful and strong, and I hope that ours do the same for you. The spirit of America is alive and well inside of us. 🇺🇸
Hey Reese! I’m in Los Angeles. There are two that run every weekend - one at a mall and one on the sidewalk in front of a dealership (that’s ours). Glad to know they are going on coast to coast! Won’t stop until they give our country back. Happy Memorial Day!
Thanks for the response. Yep, that’s both coats—California and Virginia. Our local Indivisible has been organizing ours. I think the protests help shame owners and prospective buyers. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! We’re in this together, from sea to shining sea.
I have been leading a Visibility Brigade in Easton PA since March. Messaging every week is empowering. Thank you for highlighting our actions which help us grow. Each VB group is local and small, but together, we are mighty.
What a fantastic list! Thank you for covering the news that the mainstream media finds unimportant, but especially aggregated in a list like this makes us all feel so much better! Keep going!
Yeah I keep reading about how NY is turning red - hopefully the Nov election results were an aberation and not a harbinger for the future!! But the NY Democratic party still has some work to do!!
Your extra extra came to my inbox just when I needed it most. I got a chuckle from the Jim Jordan video 🤣. Loved that Colorado got mentioned for passing the Kelly Loving Act. Several of us moms with trans kids provided testimony at the state house and senate. Bread and Roses Legal Center, a small but mighty nonprofit brought this bill to the legislature. Never underestimate what a few determined people can do!
And thank you for yours!!! You may (or may not) know that the advocates at Bread and Roses legal center were doxxed, received death threats and on the day the bill went to senate, had their laptops stolen. Throughout it all, the major players kept cool, persevered and never backed down to the bullies. Such an inspiring group of humans!! Also check out 9 News Kyle Clark’s reporting of MAGA pastors bearing false witness on what this bill is about. Here in Colorado we love him for holding dishonest people’s feet to the 🔥.
You may know this quote, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
Thank you for lifting my spirits today and for all you to do help us endure this corrupt administration. I couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you Jessica- good news is always welcome!🙏
After reading through this I feel so much more encouraged that we can stop the cruelty and madness. Thank you!
I’m so glad!
Thank you so much, Jessica! I look forward to Mondays because of this weekly list of good things that hae hapened!
Thank you so much Jessica! I am 58 years old and have struggled with depression on and off since I was 18. It’s been brutal some days. So sometimes I get a little too overwhelmed and hopeless but I always bounce back and I look forward to your good news email each week. Today I made the HUGE mistake of admitting I felt demoralized by this past week and the comedian/activist whose IG I posted this on just tore into me telling me that’s what the fascists want, I’m just giving them a gift, they’ve succeeded, etc. It was degrading and dehumanizing. I deleted it and said you don’t have to shame me; or patronize me and no matter what I always get back up to fight. What he doesn’t know is that I am one of the strongest, most stubborn people I know and I’ll NEVER give up this fight. I’ve gone 40 years through major depression on/off (probably longer than he’s been alive) but I’m still here. Thank you for being the energy and guiding light and letting us know exactly what we need to do every day to fight for democracy!
I’m so sorry that happened to you. It is totally OK to admit that you feel demoralized sometimes. And I’m so glad that you’re still here determined to fight anyway. You are a true hero thank you.
Thank you Jessica, for your kind words. You are a true inspiration for us all! 🥰
First, fuck that comedian. Second, lifelong survivor here 🙋🏼♀️. After decades of therapy, I was finally diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder 2 in 2022 while I was living in Mexico. It manifests primarily as depression, so is almost always misdiagnosed, and it’s common for it to take a lifetime (I was 64). Staying alive, when you’ve lived your entire life with major depression and anxiety, is a daily struggle. Remember, you are stronger than most. Thanks for being here. I agree, Jessica’s weekly good news is like a cold drink on a hot day. (Also check out Jay Kuo’s weekly For Skeets and Giggles, which also keeps me going.)
Second the Jay Kuo recommendation!
I feel blessed by your strength. ❤️
Thank you. 🥰 I’m not sure why people who are fighting for the same thing can also be so cruel.
I'm so sorry you were attacked in this way. He probably mistakenly thought he was giving you a bracing pep talk.
I am very fortunate and don't have a history of depression. When I get discouraged I tell myself that giving up is exactly what the fascists want.
But, of course, giving myself a pep talk is a totally different kettle of fish than trying the same tactic with a stranger on the internet. I wouldn't even use it on a close friend IRL since you rarely know someone as well as you think you do.
Thanks. I’ll definitely allow for the fact that he doesn’t know my history, but after his comments I didn’t want to get into it. I admit I am so furious at what these fascists have done to the country - that’s what keeps me going. That’s why I’ll never give up!
No, of course not! I just wanted to point out that the comment might not have been **intentionally** cruel. Of course that probably doesn't help much. But determination will!!
It takes courage to admit feeling demoralized. Anyone who says they haven’t felt that way these past months is doing a pretty good job lying to themselves and others, I think! Just as bravery does not mean an absence of fear, so fighting for one’s values when they are being assaulted doesn’t mean you feel great at every moment or somehow you’ve “given up.” I struggle with anxiety every damn day - so if that was the case, I’d have given up long ago (and I haven’t!)
Thank you. Yes, I thought surely I can’t be the only one in the last 5 months who has felt beaten down occasionally? The whole point of me being on the IG is because I wanted to hear what he had to say since he’s a great organizer and speaker. Anyway there are sooooo many other people I can get in for from. I’m so sorry you have anxiety - that’s rough too - so thank YOU for not giving up! 😊
Good on you for telling him how it works.
Hello! I am also 58 and remember having my first bout with depression around the age of 8. Of course I didn't have the name for it, but I vividly remember the feeling.
I am so proud of you for fighting all these years. Treatments for mental illness have improved since we were "youngsters." Some people just don't understand the strength it takes to successfully navigate chronic depression.
Comedians do what they do and often their humor is at the expense of others. It says everything about them and nothing about you.
Sending a big hug to a sister survivor and thriver! Thank you for sharing your story. I guarantee sharing your story helps others! :)
Oh wow! Definitely a sister and survivor. Thank YOU for sharing your struggles. Eight is so young but depression comes at any age. I was 18 and in my freshman year of college and I also didn’t have a name for it because I just never imagined it could be depression. Thank you for your kind words - I often wonder what my life would’ve been like without depression but that’s sort of a waste of time so I don’t dwell too often. Yeah it’s almost impossible for people who’ve not experienced chronic depression to understand what you feel. Big hug back atcha. Thank you for also sharing your story and being so understanding about mine. It’s rare to feel really heard with this! 🥰
You are amazing. Many cannot understand the suffering you endure. Don’t give up. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Thank you. You’re very kind. 🥰
I live just east of Annapolis - across the bridge on the finer shore as they say. Last Friday, I was driving to BWI. I was so excited to see these lovely ladies on the overpass on 50. Their sign said, "Honk to Stop Cuts!" I laid on my horn and had the biggest smile on my face. SO excited to see them! I co-founded an Indivisible group in our area - the only red district in MD. Seeing any resistance just makes my heart so happy!
And that’s one of the big reasons to do it!
That is wonderful!! Are you on Kent island or further out?
I grew up in PG county and am very familiar with Route 50. My brother lives in "South" (Anne Arundel) County and he participated in a visibility protest at the Annapolis Mall that I found for him. (I live in Charlotte NC now).
I should check and find the nearest Indivisible group to him and encourage him to join. It's party of my bossy big sister persona!! ;-)
KI - I believe there are two in AACO. We went to a protest at Annapolis Mall, too, back in April. There were so many people there. And besides a few Trumpers, we had lots of support.
It sounds like the one my brother attended.
You missed the news about the buffalo in Colorado. They are now protected so that they CAN NOT be killed just because they crossed the border from a state where they are protected.
Oh wow how did I miss that? Thank you!
Thank you for including the clip of President Biden 😘
It made me so happy. I do love that man even with all his flaws. He’s a remarkable human being.
Totally agree. Loved the video!
I hope History remembers Joe Biden for all of the good work he did in his lifetime! God bless him!
We ran our 14th Tesla Takedown protest today. One of our number calculated that in a 2-hour period, roughly 3,600 cars pass us and see our signs. That means we’ve given hope and courage to possibly 30,000+ passersby just in our neighborhood alone. Jessica, your efforts keep us hopeful and strong, and I hope that ours do the same for you. The spirit of America is alive and well inside of us. 🇺🇸
I love that so much, James. Thank you so much for doing it!
Wow! Excellent! Where are you doing this? We’ve done 2 at a planned dealership in Charlottesville, Virginia. More planned. Keep resisting!
Hey Reese! I’m in Los Angeles. There are two that run every weekend - one at a mall and one on the sidewalk in front of a dealership (that’s ours). Glad to know they are going on coast to coast! Won’t stop until they give our country back. Happy Memorial Day!
Thanks for the response. Yep, that’s both coats—California and Virginia. Our local Indivisible has been organizing ours. I think the protests help shame owners and prospective buyers. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! We’re in this together, from sea to shining sea.
Thanks for keeping at it! You guys are amazing!
And (D) Rep. Al Green filed Articles of Impeachment against DJT !!!
Thank you so much for this message - you are a beacon of truth, engaging action and spreading belief all is possible when we work together
Ah yes I have an event for you all around that in the newsletter this week! Thanks for the reminder!
I feel like I just took my vitamins!
I have been leading a Visibility Brigade in Easton PA since March. Messaging every week is empowering. Thank you for highlighting our actions which help us grow. Each VB group is local and small, but together, we are mighty.
I’m a huge fan of the whole enterprise.
That sounds great - what is Visibility Brigade?
You can sign up here https://forms.gle/gExqAr2xFEhpGeRg8 or find an existing group at www.visibilitybrigade.com
Thank you for this! You are a life raft in our sea of despair
Beautiful statement. Should be a bumper sticker. A RAFT IN A SEA OF DESPAIR.
What a fantastic list! Thank you for covering the news that the mainstream media finds unimportant, but especially aggregated in a list like this makes us all feel so much better! Keep going!
Yeah, it’s mostly all out there in the news somehow but it’s much more helpful to have it all in one place isn’t it? I’m glad you liked it.
I think my favorite part was that your list just kept going and going! 😳
Thank-you, Jessica. I really needed some good and hopeful news today. You are an inspiration.
Bravo, Jessica! That’s quite a list for what was a truly shitty week. And holy crap about the Sutton’s win in NY. That’s a big deal!
Agree! And thank you!
Yeah I keep reading about how NY is turning red - hopefully the Nov election results were an aberation and not a harbinger for the future!! But the NY Democratic party still has some work to do!!
NJ is in a scarier position than NY but they’re both not in a good spot.
Your extra extra came to my inbox just when I needed it most. I got a chuckle from the Jim Jordan video 🤣. Loved that Colorado got mentioned for passing the Kelly Loving Act. Several of us moms with trans kids provided testimony at the state house and senate. Bread and Roses Legal Center, a small but mighty nonprofit brought this bill to the legislature. Never underestimate what a few determined people can do!
I heard about it on a signal group that I’m on for parents of trans kids. Thank you so much for your advocacy!
And thank you for yours!!! You may (or may not) know that the advocates at Bread and Roses legal center were doxxed, received death threats and on the day the bill went to senate, had their laptops stolen. Throughout it all, the major players kept cool, persevered and never backed down to the bullies. Such an inspiring group of humans!! Also check out 9 News Kyle Clark’s reporting of MAGA pastors bearing false witness on what this bill is about. Here in Colorado we love him for holding dishonest people’s feet to the 🔥.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Drua9V9pw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
You may know this quote, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead
❤️Joe!,,
I sure needed this newsletter Jess.
Thank you for all that you do to keep me sane.