Emily, the only bone I have to pick with you on this (sorry for the metaphor Fish!) is your feeling of embarrassment. We all need to get over this internalized capitalist programming that says we are only as good as our last "achievement"...notably defined/constrained in meaning by the very same system. In fact it's the very same extractive mindset that has caused our climate catastrophe.
I see you as a model for being so real & transparent about the impact the grind has on you. Be proud, VERY proud, of yourself as a public figure modeling this. I am moved and an even bigger fan of you! XO, Sindri
Thank you for naming all of this for us. I have been feeling a lot of these same feels around my work and life and it was validating to read and see you navigate the burn out with grace. These lines hit me to my core:
"Sometimes I get these big rushes of energy where I feel like my old self, where I truly believe I am a go-getter again...But these rushes just don’t last very long. Any setback, any negative, can send me back into a depressive state."
If you have a way for people to continue their $ subscriptions or otherwise contribute to you, even while you have billing paused here, I would be thrilled to keep supporting you during your break. I bet some others would feel the same. Your work is so valuable to this space. I consider being able to directly fund and invest in your work a privilege. And just because you're not in our inbox every week, doesn't make the investment any less vital in my mind. I'm investing in you as a person who's made and continues to make a real difference here, in it for the long haul. Take care and rest up <3
This is brave and honest, but also revolutionary. It really helps anyone feeling crappy and lonely in the pandemic, but it's revolutionary because climate writers seldom mention emotions and how exhausting and sad this whole topic is. It's validating to hear you say "this sucks" because I, too, need a nourish-the-body-and-soul break after my latest depressing climate writing project. Love yourself up. We love you and want you to feel whole and healthy, whatever that takes, for however long. And maybe writing that to you will help me believe I, too, can step off the merry-go-round.
I think it’s important that you know, Emily, that a lot of us subscribe for exactly the personal look at climate change that you give us. Sometimes that personal look involves being public about struggles, whether emotional, mental, physical, etc. Although I hate to see people going through tough times, I’m glad you’re recognizing the need for a break. I know I’ll be here when you’re back!
I've been a paid subscriber for a little over 2 months. I've received just a handful of newsletters. I laughed out loud when I read your "apology" for not keeping up. Frankly, my subscription has been the best money I've spent in I don't know how long. Send me a renewal notice in 9 months and I'll pay it gladly. If we had more people of influence who did 1/10 what you've been doing to help us understand and get out of this mess, the world would be a FAR better place. So my suggestion to you -- go look for things that make you smile and, hopefully, laugh. It really is the best medicine.
I relate to this SO much (clinical depression & anxiety & chronic burnout ayyyye) and really, really admire and appreciate you sharing about it. Ourselves -- we are worth caring for, too.
No need to be embarrassed, the last few years have been brutal on all of us and if we don't take care of ourselves we're not much good to anybody else. Thank you for your honesty, the incredible journalism you've done, are doing, and will do in the future.
This has been a great newsletter, Emily. Please take whatever time you need to rest and regroup. I will be waiting to again read your fierce, powerful journalism.
Good for you to take care of yourself--you're very needed for the long haul
Emily, the only bone I have to pick with you on this (sorry for the metaphor Fish!) is your feeling of embarrassment. We all need to get over this internalized capitalist programming that says we are only as good as our last "achievement"...notably defined/constrained in meaning by the very same system. In fact it's the very same extractive mindset that has caused our climate catastrophe.
I see you as a model for being so real & transparent about the impact the grind has on you. Be proud, VERY proud, of yourself as a public figure modeling this. I am moved and an even bigger fan of you! XO, Sindri
Thank you for naming all of this for us. I have been feeling a lot of these same feels around my work and life and it was validating to read and see you navigate the burn out with grace. These lines hit me to my core:
"Sometimes I get these big rushes of energy where I feel like my old self, where I truly believe I am a go-getter again...But these rushes just don’t last very long. Any setback, any negative, can send me back into a depressive state."
Thank you for all of your work, take care
If you have a way for people to continue their $ subscriptions or otherwise contribute to you, even while you have billing paused here, I would be thrilled to keep supporting you during your break. I bet some others would feel the same. Your work is so valuable to this space. I consider being able to directly fund and invest in your work a privilege. And just because you're not in our inbox every week, doesn't make the investment any less vital in my mind. I'm investing in you as a person who's made and continues to make a real difference here, in it for the long haul. Take care and rest up <3
This is brave and honest, but also revolutionary. It really helps anyone feeling crappy and lonely in the pandemic, but it's revolutionary because climate writers seldom mention emotions and how exhausting and sad this whole topic is. It's validating to hear you say "this sucks" because I, too, need a nourish-the-body-and-soul break after my latest depressing climate writing project. Love yourself up. We love you and want you to feel whole and healthy, whatever that takes, for however long. And maybe writing that to you will help me believe I, too, can step off the merry-go-round.
I think it’s important that you know, Emily, that a lot of us subscribe for exactly the personal look at climate change that you give us. Sometimes that personal look involves being public about struggles, whether emotional, mental, physical, etc. Although I hate to see people going through tough times, I’m glad you’re recognizing the need for a break. I know I’ll be here when you’re back!
Take good care. At the same time, don't hesitate to post the occasional photo of FISH, which is good for keeping your readers' resilience up.
I've been a paid subscriber for a little over 2 months. I've received just a handful of newsletters. I laughed out loud when I read your "apology" for not keeping up. Frankly, my subscription has been the best money I've spent in I don't know how long. Send me a renewal notice in 9 months and I'll pay it gladly. If we had more people of influence who did 1/10 what you've been doing to help us understand and get out of this mess, the world would be a FAR better place. So my suggestion to you -- go look for things that make you smile and, hopefully, laugh. It really is the best medicine.
I relate to this SO much (clinical depression & anxiety & chronic burnout ayyyye) and really, really admire and appreciate you sharing about it. Ourselves -- we are worth caring for, too.
No need to be embarrassed, the last few years have been brutal on all of us and if we don't take care of ourselves we're not much good to anybody else. Thank you for your honesty, the incredible journalism you've done, are doing, and will do in the future.
Oh Emily, I had just been wondering how you are doing, and am so glad you posted this. Resilient wishes 💛
This has been a great newsletter, Emily. Please take whatever time you need to rest and regroup. I will be waiting to again read your fierce, powerful journalism.
Never apologize for doing what you need to do to take care of yourself. Along those lines, I highly recommend Devon Price's book, "Laziness Does Not Exist" (https://www.npr.org/2021/09/24/1039676445/laziness-does-not-exist-devon-price#:~:text=Tiny%20Desk%20Contest-,'Laziness%20Does%20Not%20Exist'%20Author%20Devon%20Price%20On%20Reframing%20The,you%20probably%20need%20a%20break.). Read about it on NPR, got the book, and it has literally changed my life. Basically, she argues that we need to respect our need for rest and downtime.
Don't forget to pet that damn dog. He will do more for you than you know. Just like our planet. Gather, grow, come back as you want and will. Peace.
Thank you for reminding us the importance of self-care.
“Burnt out people aren’t equipped to serve a burning planet.” ~ Susanne Moser
Good for you Emily. Take care of yourself. We will be here when you return.