Small lights in the darkness

When the world feels like it’s cracking, we plant seeds. Because even in the darkest moments, we can choose to imagine, connect, and create something better—together.

I had a practical article lined up for this week. Something useful. Tangible. Maybe even actionable.

But it feels tone-deaf to hit send on tips for solopreneurs when so many are grappling with bigger questions.

"It’s always darkest before dawn," Camille reminded me this week. And wow, was it dark—and so cold—before this sunrise.

Questions like:

“Will they come after me? How? What does this mean for my work, my livelihood, my purpose as so much—DEI efforts, climate funding, core values—is being dismantled?”

If you’re feeling stunned, hollow, or just plain exhausted right now, you’re not alone. Climate disasters keep rolling in like clockwork. The U.S. is now ruled by fascist oligarchs. And any far-right government around the world is likely feeling emboldened to crack down on our rights.

It feels heavy because it is heavy.

For years, I didn’t use my voice in moments like these. I was afraid. I told myself that staying quiet meant staying safe. (I wrote more about that here.)

But what I’ve learned—over time and through community—is that silence doesn’t keep you safe. It just keeps you small.

And right now, small isn’t going to cut it.

What does make a difference is when we use our voices together. When we remind ourselves that collective action is messy. It’s hard. But it’s also the only thing that ever drives real change. (Shoutout to Eliza and the IMpact MAkers for constantly reminding me of this.)

Voices of hope

This week, I’ve been so heads-down launching Seed that I haven’t had time to fully process the news. But I did sneak in some Instagram scrolling during a few much-needed toilet breaks (the glamorous life of a solopreneur, right?).

And somehow, I found a few gems that gave me hope. Reminders that even now, we can create another world—if we do it together.

Here they are for you:

Jupiterbaal - Feeling like this week was designed to knock the wind out of us? That’s because it was. This video breaks down the tactics behind it—and the tools we have to push through, not just to survive, but to thrive

Riham Nassar - reminds us: what we’re seeing isn’t normal, and deep down, we all know the system is broken. But without a clear vision of an alternative, we get stuck. We feel alone—and that’s exactly the point. So, how do we push past this? How do we feel more together and less reactive?

Stephanie Harrison - to build the communities we long for, we don’t just need a new set of skills—we need a complete shift in our worldview.

And because it’s so good, another gem from Stephanie Harrison:

“You do not need to fix the world all by yourself.

In fact, you can’t.

There is absolutely no problem that can be solved by one person. That’s an Old Happy myth, grounded in individualism, the idea that there’s a single hero coming to save us.

Making our world better is not a soloist task. It is an orchestral one.

In an orchestra, every instrument—the violin, the trombone, the oboe, the bass, the harp, the timpani, the cello—is needed. Were you to hear just one instrument playing its part in a symphony alone, it wouldn’t make sense because it was detached from the greater whole. The beauty is in the way all the unique parts come together.

Our orchestra is incomplete without you. We need you to play the part that only you can play.”
—p.248 of NEW HAPPY

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What gave you hope this week? Share it in the comments.
Let’s remind each other that even when the world feels like it’s cracking, there’s still room for us to plant seeds.

It won’t be easy or fun.
But it will be good.

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Interesting opportunities for you

We save our members countless hours by curating the best opportunities for indepdendents from over 150 job boards. Each month, we share 75+ handpicked opportunities. Here’s a sneak peek for you:

🧑‍💻Story Teller - WWF Innovation
📍Remote
🤝Part-time

🧑‍💻Nature-Centrism as a Lens for Organizational Behavior and Decision-Making - V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation
🤝RFP/Tender
🗓️February 3, 2025

🧑‍💻Klamath Basin Forests and Watersheds Restoration 2025 Request for Proposals - NFWF
💰$200,000 - $700,000
🤝RFP/Tender
🗓️February 25, 2025

🧑‍💻Chapter Scientists to support the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change & Cities - IPCC
🤝RFP/Tender
🗓️February 14, 2025

🧑‍💻Content Lead - Who Gives A Crap
📍Remote
🤝Contract

But what if you could stop chasing job posts and start attracting clients—proactively and authentically (no sales-y tactics required)?

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Behind the scenes at IMMA

Want to use your voice in a way that feels authentic—not self-promotional?
We’ve got a free workshop with Alexandra Phipps, a brand expert for socially conscious leaders. Personal Brand Building for the Reluctant is perfect if you feel uncomfortable showing up and talking about yourself and your work. Sign up here for free.

This week, we kicked off Seed!
We welcomed an inspiring group of people who will spend the next three months crafting and launching their offers. If you’re tired of feeling alone or stuck in trial-and-error—figuring out who your clients are, what to offer, or how to move forward - our next cohort starts in February.

Our Nurture membership just got a big refresh.
We’re focusing even more on helping members find clients—together. With eight new ways to make it happen, it’s practical and transformational. We’ll share more about what’s new over on LinkedIn.

Thanks for reading!
With you, always
Lilli