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π± Practical ways to take care in tough times
Published 2 months agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
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Hey there, Reader!
In this week's CFC newsletter, you'll find:
𧡠Tips to take care while working in sustainability during tumultuous times
𧡠The latest in circular textiles and more sustainable fashion news
𧡠A guide to your next month of content for your sustainable fashion biz
𧡠A circular design award, climate fellowship, and job opportunities in fashion
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How to move forward when you're feeling overwhelmed
In times like these, I think it's worth iterating that no matter how large, setbacks are never the end. And that efforts to stall or derail progress, while devastating, are nothing new.
There are a lot of takes on what the sustainability movement can do in tumultuous times β and I think that is incredibly valuable β but I wanted to dedicate this newsletter to focusing on you, as the human.
Burnout has long been an issue in the social impact and sustainability spaces, but the extent (and speed) of the challenges coming at us right now make it all the more likely.
Here are some practical ways to protect or restore your wellbeing β take or leave whatever does or doesn't work for you.
This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care. π
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1οΈβ£ Set clear, realistic boundaries that align with your capacity.
Many of us in this space just want to give, give, give because we care so deeply. That is an incredible trait! And yet there can sometimes be too much of a good thing.
We simply can't do it all β anyone I've seen try to has burned out pretty quickly.
So think about the capacity you have β time, energy, resources β and what impact you want to contribute. Set up systems (i.e. boundaries) that protect your capacity so you can show up for what truly matters.
And what I've learned is to set boundaries based on what is in my control. Otherwise, you're setting yourself up to be frustrated and bitter.
While communicating your boundaries is essential, at the end of the day, you can't control other people's actions.
For example:
Instead of the boundary being "no one should email me on Saturdays" reframe to "I do not respond to emails on Saturdays."
Or instead of "no one should ask me to work for free" the boundary would be "I do not do X, Y, and Z, type of work for free."
This will look different depending on your goals, your stage of your career, and the demands of your job or business. Everyone's boundaries are different and they also may evolve.
For example, in the beginning of my content creator days I was so excited my platform was noticed that I said "yes!" to any and all free promo requests from values-aligned brands.
But now things look different. I've spent thousands of hours building platforms that I know are valuable β today the daily free promo requests we receive are always an immediate "no".
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2οΈβ£ Carve out time daily for real rest
This could be as simple as dedicating 5 minutes each morning to a practice of solitude. Or it might be doing a 15 minute yoga flow before breakfast, scheduling a 30 minute walk outside during lunch, or taking a 60-minute screen break before you go to bed.
And don't forget to take digital breaks! The news is likely going to be terrible for the foreseeable future. While we all want to stay up-to-date, I'm trying to stick to a news-consuming time block and not let it interrupt me all day long. (Operative word is "trying"...)
This is nothing new, but we could all use more reminders! :)
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3οΈβ£ Make a plan for how you'll lean into community.
If you're doing this alone, my (completely unscientific) calculations put the likelihood of burnout about 10x higher.
And in my experience, trying to make change in isolation will be less effective too.
Please please please find your people! It it truly SO healing to be around people who get it, who can troubleshoot challenges with you, connect you with resources, offer input, or just be a listening ear.
It can take a while to find those people, so be patient and don't give up if the first few connections don't feel right.
It's worth it.
(But joining existing communities is a great way to speed up the process! If you want to join our generous community of 100+ fashion changemakers like you, we'd love to have you inside of the CFC Membership!)
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Although progress is still possible and so many of you I know are doing great work, this season for many of us won't be easy. Take care of yourself and your community accordingly. πΏ
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Cheering you on,
Elizabeth
Director, Conscious Fashion Collective
βMembers:Join our 1:1 Coffee Chats session happening today! You'll have the opportunity to meet other members in two rounds of breakout rooms.
If you've been struggling to create content that feels both aligned with your values and your business' purpose that also attracts your ideal customers and clients, you're not alone. That's why we've created this free guide to help. It includes:
6 types of content sustainable fashion businesses can leverage
30 specific conscious content ideas
Photos & links to actual examples to get you inspired!
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Prizes include development funds and mentorship with Orsola De Castro.
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Safia Minney is looking for sales people to help Safia Collective market their certified organic and fair trade cotton fabrics to makers, designers, and brands int he UK.
Canada-based fashion nonprofit Threading Change is hiring for several honorarium-based roles locally and remotely. There are also several volunteer roles available.