Giving from Abundance
“When we work in a way that’s healing for us, it’s healing to the world.
When we work on something that’s part of the solution to the world’s problems—that is our specific thing to do because we’re thrilled to do that thing—we get healed by the work.”
– Chani Nicholas
Dear Courageous Thrivers,
In my work with clients, one of the things we practice is choosing and focusing—which is recommended by many seasoned activists, including Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action. In her interview on the Pulling the Thread podcast episode, “A Formula for Coming Alive,” Watts emphasized how essential this kind of focus is for creating lasting change.
She also spoke to another theme I’ve been hearing all around me in activist and spiritual circles:
We need to be giving from abundance—not draining ourselves dry.
That’s not just personal self-care. It’s a revolutionary claim. It says we believe it’s possible to build a world that works differently than the one we’re in now.
What drains us?
In my experience, people burn out from taking action when:
We’re doing what we think we should do—or what someone else says we should do—but it’s not really ours.
We don’t prioritize nourishing ourselves—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
We don’t take breaks for rest and renewal.
We’re not taking the actions that are actually ours to take—which is also draining. It’s like cutting off the life force that wants to move through us.
A lot of the people I work with have no idea how to take action from a place of abundance. They don’t know how to find what’s truly theirs to do, or how to focus, or how to let go and still act.
To be honest—I’m still learning too. So, we practice. Together.
The Practice: Choose, Focus, Act
We practice choosing and focusing on the areas that call to us.
We practice picking 1–3 areas and taking small, sustainable steps.
We let go of what’s not ours.
Because we’re human. And we can’t do all the things.
Sometimes (okay, often), courage and discomfort are part of doing what’s ours to do.
But there’s also joy—deep joy—in taking aligned steps.
A Tool: 27+ Ways to Be an Ally (Simone Grace Seol)
Below is a slightly adapted list from Simone Grace Seol’s brilliant Instagram post:
“27 Different Ways (at least) to be an Ally.”
Use it as a reflection tool:
What are you already doing, but haven’t given yourself credit for? That’s activism. Celebrate it!
What lights you up when you read it? Pick one thing and take a small action in that area within the next 48 hours.
What feels a little scary—but you’re drawn to it? Choose a tiny next step and try it. See how it feels.
Make your action small enough that you could still do it even if all hell breaks loose in the next two days. And when you do it—celebrate. And if you feel like sharing, hit reply. I’d love to celebrate with you.
Ways to Be an Ally (and Stay Nourished)
Bridge-Building & Communication
Have hard conversations with people who might not be reached by traditional activism.
Connect people who need each other.
Amplify voices and messages through social media, design, or video.
Show up as a witness—at court, at meetings, in the streets.
Call elected officials and organizations.
Behind-the-Scenes Support
Research, fact-checking, proofreading, or editing.
Logistics: events, childcare, rides, scheduling.
Translation—both language and idea accessibility.
Institutional Change
Work inside systems: HR, school boards, nonprofits.
Use your position to create structural shifts.
Mentor those navigating institutions from marginalized positions.
Emotional and Inner Work
Help people transform pain into power.
Do your own healing and break generational cycles.
Create safe spaces for deep, hard conversations.
Check in on those doing front-line work. Offer encouragement and emotional care.
Economic & Resource Allyship
Leverage your buying power and business relationships.
Offer financial education and literacy.
Provide essential needs: food, water, hygiene, shelter.
Tutor or mentor students.
Help with resumes and job interview prep.
Creative & Healing Arts
Use art, music, poetry, and storytelling to process and reimagine.
Make beauty visible for marginalized communities.
Host grief rituals, healing circles, or ceremonies.
Document and archive through photography or video.
Spiritual and Contemplative Work
Hold sacred space through prayer, meditation, or energetic care.
Dream up new futures. Imagine boldly.
Offer spiritual guidance or presence to others in need.
Here’s to thriving and equity,
Deb
P.P.S. Simone’s work is such a gift. If you loved this list, follow her on Instagram, check out her new podcast Liberatory Business, or browse her courses here. It’s all good medicine.