Informed or overwhelmed?
A few days ago, someone asked me if I’d seen their email. When I went to check, my inbox was a blur of political headlines, appeals from candidates, and urgent calls to action. I want to be informed, but it was overwhelming—and nearly impossible to find what I was looking for.
That was my wake-up call. I realized this flood of information wasn’t helping me feel informed or empowered. So I took action: I moved all the political emails and news headlines into a separate folder, not deleting them, but creating space for myself to breathe.
December offers us something that no other moment in the year does: a chance to pause to gain clarity and strength. Here’s what I’m prioritizing this month:
1. Step back to move forward
If you feel like unplugging from the news or venting less about politics, trust that instinct. Overwhelm doesn’t make you more effective—it burns you out. The constant flow of information gives us the illusion that we’re doing something simply by staying informed. In truth, sustained engagement requires pacing. What can you move out of your metaphorical (or literal) inbox to create breathing room and decrease overwhelm?
Taking space might seem selfish, but it’s not. It’s a radical act to focus on what really matters. If you want to be engaged in responding to the new administration or attending to the communities that are vulnerable, it will require energy. So define what “stepping back” is for you. Simplifying now is preparation for what lies ahead.
2. Reimagine self-care as a political act
What does reclaiming your energy mean to you? Maybe it’s saying no to one more obligation or gift exchange. Maybe it’s spending time with the people who remind you of who you are. I’m letting go of the small stuff to focus on what fills my cup.
By refueling yourself, you’re building the capacity to act with purpose and sustain your efforts in the long run. In fact, in a culture that glorifies overwork and busy-ness, prioritizing your own well-being is revolutionary.
3. Be intentional about your activist energy
Not everything needs your attention. This month, I encourage you to focus on one specific, actionable task. If you want a suggestion, it’s Action 1 in this week’s Checklist: call to ask whether your federal elected officials are holding town hall meetings during the holiday recess.
Why does this issue matter? Because accountability is the cornerstone of democracy, and many of our leaders have forgotten this or sidestepped it for too long. If you belong to a community that’s less likely to be targeted by the incoming administration, showing up can be an act of solidarity with those who are facing (or will face) greater threats to their wellbeing.
If your federal elected officials aren’t holding town halls, ask why not. If they are, make your voice heard. Showing up to a town hall meeting puts a face to the issues you care about, making it harder for your elected officials (red or blue) to forget who they work for.
Action 1 gives you step-by-step guidance: how to ask, what to say, and how to respond. One call. One task. Because even one voice can have a ripple effect.
A Time to Regroup and Renew
For many, the election results felt like a blow to the ideals of equality and democratic norms. This month, double down on what sustains you. Cut back on what drains you. Tend to those things that create comfort and resilience, and we’ll lay a strong foundation for the work ahead.
Our team at AoCC goes offline for the second half of December every year. We’ll be back in the new year—ready to meet the challenges with renewed energy, creativity, and impact.
Remember, the story isn’t over. We’ll write the next chapter—with resilience and hope—together.
On December 3 the city of Nashville renamed Cumberland Park Wasioto park, after the Shawnee name for what is now called the Cumberland. River in response to overwhelming support
A beautiful and much needed message. Thank you for the inspiration to do what we can but care for ourselves too.