I do some online activism and support. It’s one of the ways I emotionally process situations I’m involved in.
When I was a caretaker for my father with Alzheimer’s, I was on the dementia forums constantly. Now, I’m spending time supporting people exiting the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I get emotionally engaged. That’s pretty typical for me. And honestly, I often get as much or more from participating as the people I’m supporting do.
But I’ve noticed some parts of it aren’t as fulfilling as usual right now. Especially dealing with the apologists and infiltrators the organization sends to disrupt support systems (and yes, they actually do that). It wears on me.
And that’s what this week’s forecast reminded me of.
Next Week in the Cards
Still pretty even though well-loved, these cards are from the Legacy of the Divine Tarot.
Outlook: Ten of Cups Rx
While the energy of this card is still pretty cushy even reversed, to me it’s hinting at a vague sense of alienation—specifically, feeling some distance from people you’d normally feel close to. It’s not especially heavy or onerous, but it is notable. Mildly disquieting.
In short: this week, people may feel less connected than they’d like. But most will still take what comfort they can in their families—biological or chosen.
Advice: King of Pentacles Rx, with insight from The Empress
Don’t focus on taking care of your loved ones or trying to “fix things.” That instinct might backfire right now, creating more stress than support. Instead, look at what feeds you, and exercise your creative spirit.
It might be true that giving to others or taking a caretaking role usually nourishes you. If that’s the case this week, great—I won’t argue with your lived experience.
But more likely, you’ll feel some pressure (even if it’s just internal) to give more than you comfortably can. Maybe you’re trying to be a good friend or show up for someone in pain. But to do that, you’d have to sideline your own current needs. And it’s just not as rewarding as it would normally be.
Under those circumstances, it’s easy to get caught up in someone else’s story—especially with emotionally needy family. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up burned out and resentful.
So this week? Give yourself the energy you need to tend your own garden. Focus on your own creative projects. Don’t dump more from your cup than you can afford to share. Not now, not ever. But this week, the message is loud—so I’m repeating it.
Personally, I’m going to prioritize my needs over the endless stream of needs (real or not) from others. I’ll give back when and how it feeds my soul to do so. But I won’t lose sight of that feeding my soul part. That means stepping back when I need to. Avoiding certain topics, certain situations, or yes—certain apologists who do nothing but piss me off.
I’d suggest you do something similar. The feeling of distance or partial disconnection from your “home” communities isn’t permanent. But the idea that your well-being has to come first? That one sticks.
Now, for you:
How are your own needs being met in the groups or families of any kind that you’re a part of? Is there a way to step back and prioritize yourself without trashing the connections themselves?
