By Lisa Schilansky Ministerial Intern

Over the holidays, I took a break. A break from work emails and a break from the news. Writing this on the 2nd of January, having just checked the Washington Post, I am humbled and bowled over by what awaited me. And I trust that future news updates will also not be gentle for myself or those I care about. So, at a time of year when every ad is hawking “New Year, New You!” What do you actually need? What will help you survive the unknowns of 2025?

Winter is a time when many in the animal kingdom slow down, take shelter, and, if we can learn from the great bears, sleep for a few months. While it might be ill-advised to sleep until April, what might your equivalent be? 

The fight for justice and the fight against horrifying policies are all necessary. It is also true that this is a marathon, not a sprint. So, I invite you to join me in adorning your winter burrow with the comforts you need and caring for your spirit so that you can show up in whatever way feels possible for you. And if waking up and leaving the house is what you can accomplish this winter, the rest of us have the fight for the time being. May your New Year be as gentle as possible, and may you know that this community is here when it all feels like too much. Happy 2025.