The power of caring
How we feel about the climate crisis and social issues matters as much as what we do. Have you ever paused to reflect on how our emotions towards climate and social challenges shape our actions?
During weeks weighed down by Weltschmerz (the German term for 'world-weariness'), running a business by yourself feels so much harder. Because, well, you are the business. And when you feel like this, trying to get others to care when it feels like humanity is losing its capacity to care is tough.
This week also had its highlights.
IMMA Collective reached 1k subscribers — thanks for reading 🫶. A big shoutout to those who've messaged about landing gigs from this newsletter. We ran our 'Get Ready to Work for Yourself' workshop, and participants said it was a fantastic session that has already made a difference.
But, like anyone, alongside those highs there are lows. My mom recently faced a cancer scare, my dad underwent minor heart surgery, and my inner ‘capitalist’ had a good time dwarfing any progress that I made this year.
So when people ask me how I feel, I often borrow words from Liz Gilbert: "I might not always feel good, but overall, I am well. I recognise both the privilege and the responsibility that come with doing work aligned with my values. It feels like a luxury in this world right now.
I refuse to live in a world where caring is the exception, not the norm.
With IMMA I want to help create a world where people not only care but can earn a living from it. A world where everyone has the space to breathe, feel, and heal. Because if we don't deeply feel the grief and pain this world endures, how can we be moved to profound action?
I want to leave you with a few quotes and snippets that I return to over and over, especially in those heavy-hearted Weltschmerz moments.
If this is the work of the rest of our lifetimes, we must honour and protect space and time for staying well and whole. That means we have to surround ourselves with others who can help us carry love and trust and hope for weeks, months, or years when that’s too much for us to ask of ourselves.
If this is work for the rest of our lifetimes, we also do it on behalf of people we will never know. - Krista Tippett (listen to the full episode)
I listened to a conversation with Daniel Schmachtenberger earlier this month, and it resonated with me for weeks. Here's an excerpt, but I recommend watching the entire 50 minutes.
“I think people should let themselves become depressed because life is actually beautiful, and sacred…. This depression is recognising the destruction of the sacred.
I can do something about it. I don't know how to yet, but I'm not going to let myself do anything other than figure it out, and then act on it… As opposed to waiting until someone else figures it out.
So, don't act out of anger, depression, and fear; act out of that sense of the Sacred, knowing that you are in service to a Life that is beautiful, to a world that is beautiful. We're at a time when the consequences of our actions are greater than ever for humans. There's an obligation in that, and a meaningfulness that you don't want to waste.” - Daniel Schmachtenberger
The Shortcut
I created a collection of resources to help you foster emotional resilience, you can check it out here and share it if you see others are struggling.
Interesting opportunities for you
This week I found 18 freelance opportunities for you, finding them often feels like a treasure hunt because most job boards don’t allow you to filter out freelance contracts.
Strategy & Design
Evaluator - The School for Social Entrepreneurs
Evaluator - Impact on Urban Health
Product Designer - Refugee Asylum International
UI/UX designers - H.E.A.T.
Different roles: Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Video - Learning Nexus
Communication & Engagement
Marketing Consultant - Search for Common Ground
Youth Climate Action - Campaign Fund UMI Fund
Climate Storyteller - Local Storytelling Exchange
Marketing Executive - Big Green Smile
Content & Social Media Specialist - Swappie
Tech
Full Stack Developer - Carbon Farming Foundation
Software Developer - Article19
Other
Manager Digital Transformation Department - The International Federation of Red Cross
Bilingual Learning & Development assistant 🇫🇷🇬🇧 - Deepki
Associate or Executive ESG Impact Team - British International Investment
Strategic Plan Consultant - Welsh Women’s Aid
Desk-Top Review and Analysis - Sightsavers
What's happening at IMMA?
🎬 A sneak peek behind the scenes:
Over the last weeks, we explored different aspects of freelancing with the students of the Master of Arts and Interaction Design from SUPSI. You will soon see the results of that research.
I organised a brunch in Milan and look forward to planning more in-person events. If you want to get involved, reach out.
If you crave some accountability and community, join us for our next Sense & Respond session next Friday.
I will be in your inbox, next Friday 💌
Thank you for reading, supporting and caring. 🫶
Lilli