Phfoof.

Phfoof. What a few weeks. I've gone from the gut-clenching launch of our patreon, followed by putting out a couple of strong pieces I'm really proud of.

And then on Monday, I sat down with the handful of ideas I've been working on, and - can I level with you?

I'm beat. Exhausted. And I'm pretty sure you are, too.

It's one of the things about life during Covid - even here in New Zealand where we're largely disease-free. Everybody's just worn out.

I look around, see friends in the states and Europe and South America living in horribly difficult conditions. I compare. Say, "if they're still going, I can keep going" - and I think this is a lot of us, these days.

Hanging in. Pushing forward. Shifted down Maslow's pyramid from thrive to survive.

I walk, and I feel the bones of our long-distant ancestors, wandering tired across the savannah after a couple of rough seasons. Frost. Drought. Looking at each other's dirty faces. Keeping their feet moving because you're still going, and I'm not getting left behind.

That persistence still here. Still us.

We get up every day, and we keep slogging. Keep moving forward. Try to make good decisions, rooted in an optimistic future - even though that future hasn't quite felt real for months.

It's harder than it's ever been to dream - everything we can imagine cast with uncertainty, the color of our times.

I wish I had something better to tell you - to tell myself - than, "It'll get better someday. Not soon. But maybe 6 months from now. Or a year. Or two. We just have to keep hanging in there."

I wish I had something better to say. But honestly, I don't.

Me - I get up and I remind myself that I've been through a lot worse than this, and then I get to work.

It is not a comfort. But it is a hand up – a "Back on your feet, son."

And these days - that's what it takes.

If you're struggling right now, I'm right there with you. Here's a hand up. Hang in there.

C'mon. Let's get through this.

-Steven

p.s. The best thing I saw all week was this brilliant campaign that's perfect for letting some of the stress out. Need to scream? Iceland's got you. :)