Happy Friday guys!
First off, if you replied to our last newsletter and got a bounce back, I apologise. We continue to have tech issues and it has been a huge source of my frustrations this year. First NBN, then Telstra, then emails, then software. Before that, our site seemed to have been hacked and was redirecting to a photography website. Now do you understand why I needed that holiday to the town of 1770?
In fact, even on holiday I continued to work (as best as I could given all our email and software problems); this is start-up life and there’s no one to palm my responsibilities off to unfortunately. However I did take lots of time away from the laptop to read, hang with my partner Ben, sightsee and swim (I’m pictured wearing my super flattering BAIIA swimwear), all of which helped to replenish my spirit and energy levels, and strengthen my most important relationship.
Wearing Organic Basics cheeky bodysuit and Sunday Designs linen trousers and carrying Huskee reusable coffee cup. Credit: Ben McGuire.
I was on a high when I returned home late Tuesday, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, I continued on with renewed gusto only to learn that my uncle, who battled many health issues and suffered years of chronic pain, attempted to take his own life. He was rushed to hospital.
After days of praying and trying to coordinate funds to send back to extended family in the Philippines (sending money back to the motherland is standard practice in our community; family abroad are expected to provide financial assistance to help poorer relatives out with school fees and college tuition, medical expenses etc; this keeps privileged members of the family in check, but can also lead to problems too, stories I’ll leave for another day) and after a few surgeries, my uncle’s heart gave out and he passed away last night.
My cousin tells me that before our uncle passed, when he awoke from surgery, he told her that he didn’t want any of us to blame him for what he did, which of course, brought on the tears. He wanted an end to his pain and suffering and he got his wish–how could we blame him for this?
But the ordeal leaves the family coming to terms with what happened, and trying to figure out if there was more we could have done to ease his suffering.
Life is like this isn’t it? One minute you’re loving life, and the next minute, you’re having an existential crisis. One morning you’re feeling on top of the world, and by mid-afternoon you’re reaching for that bottle of wine. One moment your loved one is here, and the next moment they’re gone.
As we go about our daily lives, push forward to achieve our goals and sustainable mission and feel frustration when people aren’t on the same ‘eco’ page, it’s important to avoid passing judgement of others and to remember that there’s a lot going on in people’s lives away from the highlight reels of social media which can prevent them from focussing on the things you deem important.
These words, attributed to American novelist Brad Meltzer, convey exactly what I’m feeling:
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
R.I.P. dear uncle.
Advertisement Update:
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Conversations happening in our ‘Women Who Love Politics’ group:
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A member of the group is an American politician (House of Reps) and shares her mission about improving justice in Indian country in a Medium blog post. Research published on World Economic Forum website shows that “One additional woman on the council indirectly affects the council meetings. If a woman enters the council instead of a man, all women in the council, on average, speak up more often (beyond the mechanical effect that arises due to having one more female councillor). In addition, the subject of childcare is discussed more frequently. These results show that one additional woman in the council leads all women to play a more active part in the council meetings…” One of the members works in an office a floor below where Sky News is filmed and shares her thoughts about right wing Sky commentators Peta Credlin and Andrew Bolt, whom she sees often. Elizabeth Warren ends her 2020 US Presidential bid. Women Who Love Politics Private group · 257 members Join Group Popular articles from our archives this week: Where to Buy Organic, Eco-Friendly and Ethical Socks That Are Cute and Comfy 7 Ethical Brands for Sustainable Joggers and Sweat Pants The Ultimate Guide to Ethical and Sustainable Brands for Winter Coats and Jackets 25 Inspiring Quotes About Plastic Free and Zero Waste Living A Beginner’s Guide to Vertical Farming 7 of the Best Eco-Friendly Running Shoes of 2019
And that’s all from me. Enjoy the rest of your week peeps– I know I will!
Peace, love and all that jazz,
Editor-in-Chief Jen xx
p.s. EWP Podcast episode #7 is finally up and you will find it here. It features an interview with author and founder of the Sustainable(ish) blog Jen Gale, a self-described “ordinary, knackered mum of two” whose sustainable lifestyle journey began when she led her young family into a year of buying nothing new. She offers some great insights and advice, so we hope you enjoy it!
Feature image of founding editor Jennifer Nini by Ben McGuire.
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