There have been a few times where I've had to step away to focus on my sanity for a bit. I always come back here, though. There's no BS here, and that's so important. Honestly, I can't believe that anyone with a conscience (or moral compass) isn't upset about all that's going on.
Chris...absolutely. And I think a lot of people here...know exactly what you mean.
There are moments when stepping back is not avoidance at all. It is maintenance. It is how you protect your sanity...so you can come back clear-eyed instead of burned all the way down.
The important part is exactly what you said: you come back.
Your point about the lack of BS here means a lot to me. That is a big part of what I want this space to be...a place where people do not have to fight through spin, performance...or false reassurance just to tell the truth about what they are seeing.
And...yes… I love that last part too. Anyone with a conscience should be disturbed by what is happening. The fact that you ARE upset does not mean you are overreacting. It means your moral compass...still works.
I needed this message this evening…I’ve spent the weekend rolling from anger to despair and back again!!! Reading that the draft may be re-instituted really upset me…I so need your calm words now…thank you!
Christie, I’m really glad this reached you tonight.
What you’re describing makes complete sense...a lot of people have been getting whipped back and forth between anger and despair...especially when stories like that start circulating and hit such a deep nerve.
Please....do not mistake your reaction for weakness...or overreaction. It is a human response to a genuinely disturbing moment.
Sometimes...the most important thing is not pretending to feel calm...it is finding your footing again...before the next wave hits. And for the last decade, it seems as though it has been one wave after another.
That is part of what I want this space to offer: not more noise...not more panic...but a place to catch your breath, get re-centered, and remember that you are not carrying this alone. I’m very glad you’re here.
Also, allow me to offer this: There is no sign I am seeing that a draft is about to happen. It would take a very public act of Congress...not a sudden secret move. Right now, fear is outrunning facts. Breathe. Stay grounded. Watch for real legislation...not rumors. You do not need to be concerned tonight. You can...let go...and relax.
Jack.. I’ve been following you for years… Starting on Twitter. I was a free subscriber here for quite some time but I knew I wanted more… I wanted all you had to offer and I’ve never regretted that decision. This is where I need to be during this very difficult time. I’m not sure how I’d get through it otherwise.
Thank you for this.. it means a lot to be here and to belong to this community. It gets me through the hardest days and reminds me I’m not in this alone. That. Is. Priceless!
Susan… this means more to me than I can properly say.
The fact that you’ve been here since Twitter...made the jump from free to paid...and...feel this strongly about what we’re building here...tells me everything I need to know about the kind of community this has become.
You got it early, you stayed with it...and you helped make this place what it is.
What you said is exactly why this matters so much to me: none of us should have to move through a time like this feeling isolated...disoriented...or like we’re carrying it alone.
If this space helps steady you on the hardest days...and reminds you that you belong to a community that sees clearly and holds fast together… that is priceless to me too. It is.
Thank you Jack for everything you do to put together these newsletters. I appreciate the “no BS” approach. You bring truth in grounded clarity. I love this community & the fact that our input matters to you.
The “no BS” part is not a small thing. It is one of the core promises I want this space to keep: grounded clarity, honest signal...and respect for the intelligence of the people reading.
So...hearing that it comes through for YOU... means a great deal.
I’m really glad you feel the strength of this community, too. That is one of the best parts of what’s being built here...smart... thoughtful people showing up...paying attention...and making this feel like a real shared space instead of a one-way broadcast.
Your input ABSOLUTELY...matters to me, and I’m grateful you’re here.
I met some women today on a zoom organized by a friend. Most of the women are activists, and in one conversation, I spoke with a woman from Minneapolis. We both said what we really feared was that most people don't seem too concerned, yet WE see, WE hear, WE know what the dangers are. I am so thankful for those who see it, too. I am so thankful for you who makes it make sense. #HoldingFast, still.
Roberta..that means a lot. I think what you described is one of the deepest reasons this community matters.
There is something powerful about finding another person who sees it too...who hears the same alarms...recognizes the same dangers...and understands how strange it can feel when so many others seem unbothered...or unwilling to look directly at what is happening.
That kind of recognition is not small. It steadies people!
I’m really glad you had that moment on Zoom. Those connections matter...a lot. They remind us...that even when the broader culture feels numb...or distracted...there are still people paying close attention...still people with conscience...still people willing to stay awake together.
Thank you, Roberta...for saying I help make sense of it. I take that seriously, and I’m grateful you’re here...still seeing...still hearing...still holding fast right alongside the rest of us.
I swear I do not know how you don't have a cadre of clones to handle all the research and cohesive writing on practically a 24/7 basis. When do you recharge ?!
You're right, Lynne. It is a hell of a load. I could tell you otherwise, but...it wouldn't be factual.
The upside...is that much of my recharging happens as I am working...but only because it gives me such a sense of purpose...to get up each day and do this...and knowing exactly WHY.
Thank you Jack for your wisdom and reassuring support on how to weather the storm and stay grounded and centered. We want our candles to continue burning while the wind is blowing like stink
Diane..that is beautifully said. The goal is not to deny the storm. It is to protect the flame... anyway.
We want our candles to KEEP burning...while the wind is blowing hard. That is the work right now...staying grounded...protecting what matters...and helping each other stay lit.
Jack I started as free subscriber and decided to be a paid subscriber. What you have to offer is far more important than some that just seem to repeat the news with a few added pieces. They are telling more than the news but you give the reasoning and insight as to who , what or why.It is like a clinical assess ment in the ER to me.
Teri, thank you so much for this...and for making the move from free to paid.
You put your finger on exactly what I work hard to do here. A lot of people can repeat events. What matters is helping people understand the STRUCTURE underneath them... the who...the what...the why...and the likely next move.
That deeper layer...is where CLARITY lives.
I especially love your ER comparison, because that is VERY close to how I think about this work...not noise, not panic...but careful assessment...in the middle of confusion.
I’m grateful you’re here, and...I’m honored you see the value in it.
And there is more confidence, thanks to you, Adding the humming to the singing stays with me, and knowing I have and have shared Life Straws as gifts, while hoping never to need them, remains a comfort. Many more lessons, such as reading a room and more that I must review are such gifts from you! I remain grateful and happy to know what you share.
I'm in the right place.
Sher'...those five words are five very important words. Thank you.
-Jack
👍💙
Me to Sheri’.
👍 😊💙
There have been a few times where I've had to step away to focus on my sanity for a bit. I always come back here, though. There's no BS here, and that's so important. Honestly, I can't believe that anyone with a conscience (or moral compass) isn't upset about all that's going on.
Chris...absolutely. And I think a lot of people here...know exactly what you mean.
There are moments when stepping back is not avoidance at all. It is maintenance. It is how you protect your sanity...so you can come back clear-eyed instead of burned all the way down.
The important part is exactly what you said: you come back.
Your point about the lack of BS here means a lot to me. That is a big part of what I want this space to be...a place where people do not have to fight through spin, performance...or false reassurance just to tell the truth about what they are seeing.
And...yes… I love that last part too. Anyone with a conscience should be disturbed by what is happening. The fact that you ARE upset does not mean you are overreacting. It means your moral compass...still works.
-Jack
Steady, Jack. Hold fast. Thank you.
You're welcome. Thank YOU, Melody.
#HoldFast
-Jack
I needed this message this evening…I’ve spent the weekend rolling from anger to despair and back again!!! Reading that the draft may be re-instituted really upset me…I so need your calm words now…thank you!
Christie, I’m really glad this reached you tonight.
What you’re describing makes complete sense...a lot of people have been getting whipped back and forth between anger and despair...especially when stories like that start circulating and hit such a deep nerve.
Please....do not mistake your reaction for weakness...or overreaction. It is a human response to a genuinely disturbing moment.
Sometimes...the most important thing is not pretending to feel calm...it is finding your footing again...before the next wave hits. And for the last decade, it seems as though it has been one wave after another.
That is part of what I want this space to offer: not more noise...not more panic...but a place to catch your breath, get re-centered, and remember that you are not carrying this alone. I’m very glad you’re here.
Also, allow me to offer this: There is no sign I am seeing that a draft is about to happen. It would take a very public act of Congress...not a sudden secret move. Right now, fear is outrunning facts. Breathe. Stay grounded. Watch for real legislation...not rumors. You do not need to be concerned tonight. You can...let go...and relax.
-Jack
Same 🕊️🌿💚
Jack.. I’ve been following you for years… Starting on Twitter. I was a free subscriber here for quite some time but I knew I wanted more… I wanted all you had to offer and I’ve never regretted that decision. This is where I need to be during this very difficult time. I’m not sure how I’d get through it otherwise.
Thank you for this.. it means a lot to be here and to belong to this community. It gets me through the hardest days and reminds me I’m not in this alone. That. Is. Priceless!
#Holdfast
~Susan
Susan… this means more to me than I can properly say.
The fact that you’ve been here since Twitter...made the jump from free to paid...and...feel this strongly about what we’re building here...tells me everything I need to know about the kind of community this has become.
You got it early, you stayed with it...and you helped make this place what it is.
What you said is exactly why this matters so much to me: none of us should have to move through a time like this feeling isolated...disoriented...or like we’re carrying it alone.
If this space helps steady you on the hardest days...and reminds you that you belong to a community that sees clearly and holds fast together… that is priceless to me too. It is.
I’m deeply grateful you’re here, Susan.
#Holdfast
-Jack
Thank you, Jack!
You're welcome, Susan!
Thanks for the truth, expertise, and clarity. Glad you are here. I am in my village.
#HoldFast
#2547
#NoWar
"I am in my village." I'm glad you're here, too...Jo Burns.
#HoldFast
-Jack
Jo,I like being in the Village!
:)
Thank you Jack for everything you do to put together these newsletters. I appreciate the “no BS” approach. You bring truth in grounded clarity. I love this community & the fact that our input matters to you.
Lori...that means a lot to me...truly.
The “no BS” part is not a small thing. It is one of the core promises I want this space to keep: grounded clarity, honest signal...and respect for the intelligence of the people reading.
So...hearing that it comes through for YOU... means a great deal.
I’m really glad you feel the strength of this community, too. That is one of the best parts of what’s being built here...smart... thoughtful people showing up...paying attention...and making this feel like a real shared space instead of a one-way broadcast.
Your input ABSOLUTELY...matters to me, and I’m grateful you’re here.
-Jack
Your reply made my day. Thank you 🩷
And your heartfelt message...made mine.:)
Agreed, Lori. I feel more connected here than a lot of other online places.
I'm glad, Jane.
-Jack
I met some women today on a zoom organized by a friend. Most of the women are activists, and in one conversation, I spoke with a woman from Minneapolis. We both said what we really feared was that most people don't seem too concerned, yet WE see, WE hear, WE know what the dangers are. I am so thankful for those who see it, too. I am so thankful for you who makes it make sense. #HoldingFast, still.
Roberta..that means a lot. I think what you described is one of the deepest reasons this community matters.
There is something powerful about finding another person who sees it too...who hears the same alarms...recognizes the same dangers...and understands how strange it can feel when so many others seem unbothered...or unwilling to look directly at what is happening.
That kind of recognition is not small. It steadies people!
I’m really glad you had that moment on Zoom. Those connections matter...a lot. They remind us...that even when the broader culture feels numb...or distracted...there are still people paying close attention...still people with conscience...still people willing to stay awake together.
Thank you, Roberta...for saying I help make sense of it. I take that seriously, and I’m grateful you’re here...still seeing...still hearing...still holding fast right alongside the rest of us.
#HoldingFast
-Jack
Roberta, absolutely, we do see it and cannot understand why everyone does not!
#HOLDGAST!
I live in the Twin Cities and a local woman has started a support/mutual-aid group for Substack readers ... talk about a VILLAGE!!!
Thank you for providing this space
You're welcome, Betsy. Thank you for being here.
-Jack
I swear I do not know how you don't have a cadre of clones to handle all the research and cohesive writing on practically a 24/7 basis. When do you recharge ?!
You're right, Lynne. It is a hell of a load. I could tell you otherwise, but...it wouldn't be factual.
The upside...is that much of my recharging happens as I am working...but only because it gives me such a sense of purpose...to get up each day and do this...and knowing exactly WHY.
-Jack
Thank you Jack for your wisdom and reassuring support on how to weather the storm and stay grounded and centered. We want our candles to continue burning while the wind is blowing like stink
Diane..that is beautifully said. The goal is not to deny the storm. It is to protect the flame... anyway.
We want our candles to KEEP burning...while the wind is blowing hard. That is the work right now...staying grounded...protecting what matters...and helping each other stay lit.
I’m grateful you’re here with us.:)
-Jack
Right back at Jack!!! I sincerely thank you for your excellent newsletter🛟🛟🛟
Holdfast
HoldFast, Liz.
-Jack
Thank you! Glad to be here and to not be alone!!
BG...that brought a smile to my face!
-Jack
Jack I started as free subscriber and decided to be a paid subscriber. What you have to offer is far more important than some that just seem to repeat the news with a few added pieces. They are telling more than the news but you give the reasoning and insight as to who , what or why.It is like a clinical assess ment in the ER to me.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Teri, thank you so much for this...and for making the move from free to paid.
You put your finger on exactly what I work hard to do here. A lot of people can repeat events. What matters is helping people understand the STRUCTURE underneath them... the who...the what...the why...and the likely next move.
That deeper layer...is where CLARITY lives.
I especially love your ER comparison, because that is VERY close to how I think about this work...not noise, not panic...but careful assessment...in the middle of confusion.
I’m grateful you’re here, and...I’m honored you see the value in it.
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Love the explanations and advice. I have been using your de-stress breathing exercises often!
Fantastic, Anne! That pleases me to no end. Keep using it when needed...please.
-Jack
Anne, thank you for making me smile! Jack’s breathing lessons and more are so helpful!
And another vote of confidence for calming the nervous system and mind with breathing! Thank you, Judy.
-Jack
And there is more confidence, thanks to you, Adding the humming to the singing stays with me, and knowing I have and have shared Life Straws as gifts, while hoping never to need them, remains a comfort. Many more lessons, such as reading a room and more that I must review are such gifts from you! I remain grateful and happy to know what you share.
Honored & happy to be here! Your perspective definitely helps- thank you! 🙂
So glad that is your experience here, Elisabeth. And...that it helps!
-Jack