I love posting on Substack
But I need to take a break
Last week, I wrote about Project Hail Mary and Small Things Like These. While the two movies are very different, they both point to what gives us strength to do what we need to do. As captured in these lines from Project Hail Mary:
“I don’t have the bravery gene that you all have.”
“Trust me. It’s not a gene. You just need to find someone to be brave for.”
They reminded me of the reflection Carrie Newcomer wrote for Building Bridges, Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public, and the two questions she asks herself:
It can feel overwhelming as we encounter a daily tsunami of threats to our common good.… I cannot do everything, but I am called by love to do something. And so, each day I ask myself, “What is mine to do” and “who will go with me” and take comfort in knowing that we are not alone. We are many, and we are great with love.
Carrie’s questions and the films’ charge to “find someone to be brave for” are helpful guide posts in discerning what we are called to do and how to take care of ourselves while doing so. I’ve been holding them in my heart, turning them over in my mind.
Doing so has made me realize that I need to take some time off to think these through and create a better balance between my Building Bridges work and the rest of my life.
It’s hard to step away from posting but I know by doing so I’ll come back with more energy and be more effective in sharing your stories and helping to build bridges across our divides. Something needed now more than ever.
While I’m taking this break, I will repost some of the 52 reflections that have been sent in and posted over the past three years. I hope they will lift your spirits and inspire you to send in a reflection of your own (see details below).
Thank you for your stories, your efforts to build bridges, and for being brave for the planet, the world, and each other. And thanks for your patience and understanding.
See you on September 22nd.
With gratitude,
Megan
Be Kind. Be Strong. Be Well.
What’s Your Story?
When I return, I would be delighted to work with you to post your story here on Substack and on the Building Bridges Word by Word website.
Why write? Writing and sharing our reflections can help us see what we may have in common with others or discover what we can learn from those who have different perspectives. Either way, we gain a better understanding of ourselves and each other - and can begin to build bridges across our divides.
Plus, taking the time to write a reflection is a good way to give yourself a break from the stresses of the world. In addition, your story will appear under your own byline; you will be able to introduce yourself and your work (including links to your Substack, website, books, or projects) in your 75-word bio; and you will be entered into our monthly Book Giveaways of autographed books by outstanding authors.
How to get started? Pick a saying, quote, or a few lines from a song or poem and write up to 250 words on why it is meaningful to you, such as:
● How you came across the saying, quote, song, or poem.
● What it meant to you then and/or what it means to you now.
● How it gives voice to something that’s important to you.
● How it helps you to build bridges or shows the challenges for doing so.
● How it helps you to get up in the morning or go to sleep at night.
Check out the story guidelines which include additional prompts that you might find helpful and the steps for sending in your story. Questions ? Contact me at mscribner.buildingbridgeswbw@gmail.com
Thanks for raising hope, being brave, and building bridges!
Yep 👍🏽
This was a meaningful post. Thank you.