We would like to wish you a happy holiday! Here is a look at some of the highlights from Ever Forward in 2019 and some ways you can contribute to our work in 2020.
Learn about Ever Forward’s new #100kMasks challenge and get inspired to join this global movement through Brene Brown’s words of wisdom!
While people all over the country this week are making final preparations for Thursday’s Thanksgiving feast, we want to send a special shout out and some extra love to those that might be feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed. Holidays can bring up a lot of emotional baggage for many, and we want to remind you that you are not alone.
In 2017, AARP conducted a survey among adults 18 and over that explored social connections during the holidays. Many expressed feelings of joy and love, but 31% of respondents said they felt lonely during the holidays and 41% worried about a family member or friend feeling lonesome. We can only imagine that these numbers have escalated as our world continues to become more and more divided.
It can be tough navigating where you feel you fit into your community at times. It can also be challenging to show up authentically, especially when you feel “different” or not “part of the group.” Perhaps you are far away from your loved ones, are missing someone who is no longer with you, or have just had a really rough year.
Whatever the case may be, we wanted to reach out with this quick message and send some love your way! Below you’ll find some suggestions that might help lighten your spirit and get you through the holidays with greater ease.
Get Curious
Begin by thinking about what could make you happy this holiday season. Is it hosting Thanksgiving at your place? Reaching out to friends or family and seeing what they might be up to? Have you ever volunteered before? Soup Kitchens are always looking for assistance. What better way to practice gratitude than to help those less fortunate? What about dreaming up a new tradition? Adjust expectations. Perhaps this day can represent something completely different. Get creative!
Practice Self Care
This looks different for each individual. Perhaps you could take a walk in nature, read, take a long bath, sleep in, or get some exercise. Maybe reaching out to a loved one to talk might help, or maybe some time meditating in silence is best. Make a list of what you are grateful for. Listen to your heart and do what’s best for you at this moment. Put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others :)
Take Risks
Pick up the phone and have that difficult conversation. Invite yourself over to a friend’s house for the holiday. Ask for what you need. Try to practice more compassion and forgiveness, by seeing different perspectives. Participate in our 100K Masks Challenge and share this activity with your loved ones. It’s an incredible way to connect authentically with your community and get to know them more on a personal level. You will no longer feel so isolated, realizing that we all wear masks and share so many of the same insecurities.
We hope you found some of these ideas helpful and that you will try a couple this holiday season. Remember: get curious, practice self-care, and take risks. We’re rooting for you!
Let’s See Labs is launching an emotionally-inspiring experiment this Monday (Jan 14th) at 6pm PT. Join us via the Facebook Live Stream! If this concept sparks you, please share this opportunity with your extended network.
To learn more visit LetsSeeLabs.com and please join our Facebook community to stay updated as post-production content from this experiment becomes available!
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SOURCING CHANGE FROM WITHIN: The Role of Self-Realization in Societal Change
Monday, Jan 14th // 6pm PT // 9pm ET
Four brilliant people will vulnerably share their stories of learning how to let go of blame, process traumas, learn to grapple with complex emotions, shed belief systems, and ultimately live with more capacity to show up in the world through love.
Eldra grew up immersed in violent gang life.
Aella was abused by her father and grew up in a fundamentalist household.
Jesse was a radicalizer of Jihadist ideologies.
Nicole was diagnosed with deadly cancer.
After we hear examples from our storytellers about their journey to access their authentic selves, Ashanti Branch will then bring these concepts into practice through an engaging exercise. In addition, he will help us learn how we can relate with children to stay connected to their core as they grow up in a world attempting to influence them in conformist ways.
EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/959687591085788/
We have not been utilizing this part of our website in the most efficient way…. to be honest we have not used it at all.
This is our first blog post and it is to tell you to STAY TUNED.
We have a lot to say,
We are doing a lot of work
We are making an Impact locally and globally
We have BIG GOALS
AND
WE TURN 15 years as an organization and perhaps you know how much Teens have to say, when we give them space to have a voice that is.
I think the highlight for this first episode should be #TheQuince
#TheQuince is going to be an amazing celebration of 15 years of The Ever Forward Club……
May 25-26, 2019
