A few years ago I learned about compassion fatigue.
Compassion Fatigue indifference to charitable appeals on behalf of those who are suffering, experienced as a result of the frequency or number of such appeals. (Definitions from Oxford Languages)
It was at the height of the pandemic and every news story seemed to depict more joyless days ahead. Geez! I felt like my head would explode.
I think we are over exposed to a lot of information we really don't need. Just too informed. Okay, let me speak for myself, maybe I am too informed and frankly I lack the capacity or ability to do much about most things. For real!
It's endless. How do you choose? You have to! For your own sake. For your own sanity. For my sanity I need to be honest with myself about how I plan on showing up for what really matters to me. Otherwise, I am telling you, I will go crazy. Not the fun crazy. The real cuckoo crazy.
Also, if so many people care and share why are so many awful people in positions of power? Or is it that the 'good' people in power openly and outwardly express disgust and dissatisfaction but are lowkey supporting the fuckery? I mean, it just doesn't add up. See? I have OCD! A barrage of thoughts consume my existence and I cannot stop thinking thoughts that keep me up for months. Months!
I cannot. I have to remind myself that it's not selfish to choose (me) you. Oftentimes while the world is burning you are either putting out your own fire or deliberately burning some shit of your own.
I have to choose. I am being cautious with my thoughts. I am safeguarding my heart. I am doing what I can, when I am able to. Cussing silently (most times it's really to avoid imprisonment). Praying and meditating daily.
Compassion fatigue is a real thing. Give yourself some compassion before you (pretend) to care. You know the thing "put your oxygen mask on first".
Go get some oxygen my dahlins.
You have my permission.
