I Bought a Flashlight Instead of Reading the News
I have been avoiding the news.
Tariffs. El Niño. Elections. It goes from bad to worse and it is relentless. I found myself doomscrolling at 1:00am, heart racing, feeling like the world was on fire and there was nothing I could do. So I stopped because I needed to find a way back to taking action instead of feeling overwhelmed.
Instead of reading another headline, I bought a solar charger for my phone and a new flashlight.
That's it, that was the step I needed to stop my inaction, complete a small accessible action, so that I could loop back into more collective and sustainable action.
The overwhelm didn't disappear, but it got smaller. Small enough to breathe through.
This is what preparedness actually is, underneath the checklists and gear guides. It's a practice of reclaiming agency when the world feels out of control. You don't need a perfect kit. You need a next step.
I am back to reading the news and have set some parameters around how long I spend and my sources. I know i may not be getting all of the news, but I trust that I am getting enough for now and will pivot when I need to rather than trying to get every angle at once and getting so overwhelmed I check out.
If you're just getting started, you might also want to read: I've Been Making Paint from My Garden, my last post on emotional wellness and why joy belongs in your emergency kit.
Tips: Building Your Kit Without the Overwhelm
Do it with friends it's more fun, less daunting, and you'll actually follow through
Share duplicate items one can opener between two households is fine. Pool resources where you can.
Start now, upgrade later the backpack you already own is good enough. Begin there.
Use what you already have fill old water bottles and mason jars from your pantry tap. Done.
Write out your emergency info your address, key contacts, medical needs, and share it with someone you trust
Want to explore this further? Join me for Pack It: DIY 72-Hour Emergency Kit, a trauma-informed, interactive online workshop where we build our kits together using what we already have at home. No shopping required. Come with a friend - it's more fun, and you'll have someone to keep the momentum going after.
📅 Wednesday, October 28 | 6:00–7:30pm PST | Online | $5–$25 CAD sliding scale
Ways to Work With Me
🌿 Inclusive Community Preparedness Workshops A trauma-informed, creative, and strengths-based approach to navigating uncertainty. Designed for schools, organizations, and community groups. Explore Workshops
🌿 Equity Leadership Coaching For leaders who are transitioning, feel alone, and want to leave a legacy they're proud of. 12 sessions of one-on-one coaching over 6 months. Explore Coaching
🌿 Sites of Transformation Participatory Art Project Surfaces how participants are already equipped for change. Creates a visual archive of the strengths in the group, whether it's a conference or a block party. Learn More
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