If you are in the U.S., an American or following U.S. politics 🇺🇸, I know this week has been tough for you. For many around you. And for me too.
It feels as though the rug has been pulled out from under us. 🪞 We were looking ahead to green 🌱—brighter, transformational progress—but now it feels like we’re staring at grey skies ☁️ instead. Like the very foundations beneath us are beginning to crumble.
These emotions—frustration, sadness, anger—are real. They are valid. ✅ And they need to be acknowledged. This is not a moment to brush them aside but to create space to feel them, process them and share them.
I find myself drawn back to the words of Viktor Frankl 📖, who endured unimaginable hardships as a Holocaust survivor before becoming a renowned psychiatrist. His wisdom is particularly relevant in moments like this.
"What is to give light must endure burning." 🔥💡
The path we are on—to create a world of green 🌍💚, sustainable, and people-centered transformation—is not easy. But it is inevitable. We are too far along. The science is too clear. And we are too committed to turn back.
This vision will be realized, but not without setbacks, not without challenges, and not without moments when it feels like we’re sinking 🌊, before we can rise even higher than before. 🌅 And right now, this is one of those moments.
Frankl also reminds us:
"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. … Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."
These words came to mind when I saw the cheers that accompanied the signing of those Executive Orders ✍️📜, knowing the immense impact they would have. But here’s the truth: We choose our response. ✅ And we have chosen that this moment will not weaken us but strengthen our resolve. 💪✨ We have chosen to move forward with even greater determination, knowing that our work is too vital to falter.
Frankl also said:
"Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how.'"
And we know our why. We are here because we believe in a better world 🌍—one that places the planet and people front and centre 🌱. That belief drives us, even when the road is difficult.
So, as we navigate this moment, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and each other. 💕
Here are a few ways to keep going when the weight of setbacks feels heavy:
🌟 Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s okay to feel upset, disheartened or angry. Give yourself permission to process those feelings.
🤲 Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. This is hard work, and you’re doing the best you can.
🎯 Focus on What You Can Influence: We can’t change everything, but we can take meaningful actions where we have, or where we can build, influence.
🙏 Practice Gratitude: Look for the moments of light, even in the grey. Celebrate the wins and progress we’ve made.
🤝 Seek Connection: Lean on your community, friends, and colleagues. We’re in this together.
🎶 Focus on Moments of Joy: Find solace in whatever brings you immense joy—for me it’s singing 🎤, spending time in nature 🌳, and going to the theatre 🎭—amongst others.
🆘 Ask for Help: If the load feels too heavy, don’t hesitate to seek support. We’re not meant to carry this alone.
🌱 Embrace Challenges: Remember that obstacles, as painful as they are, also create opportunities for growth and resilience.
This setback does not define us.
What defines us is our ability to rise, to adapt, and to keep moving forward toward the world we believe in. 💚 Together, we will endure the burning 🔥 because we know the light 💡 it will bring is worth it.
🌈 Anna
PS: Yes, I even keep this book by the side of my desk 👇
