A quick update and a new essay
Hello!
I could make a quip about time, but we know that life sometimes gets away from us all. That's what has happened to me these last four (4!) months.
When I do get back to writing (someday, not today), I have a feeling the topics I explore will continue to expand on caregiving, in all forms, and how caregiving is and is not valued in our culture. I've contemplated if my newsletter title "Do Less, Better" is still appropriate with how my writing and focus is evolving. Some days, a new name feels in order. Other days, it feels exactly right. For now, I'm sticking with it. Plus, if Anne Helene Peterson is writing about doing less, I must be working in a good realm.
For now, I'm thrilled to share with you a recent essay of mine, published on The Learning Curve. I think it's an amazing community and I'm humbled to be a part of it. Thanks for reading and being a part of my community.
Until the next time, take care and be kind to yourself. You're doing great. ❤️
-Alyson
Caregiving is Community
I’m a caregiver.
It’s a role I didn’t own until recently. There is nothing glamorous about it. No one rewards you for this labor. It’s not something you typically put on a resume.
And yet, it might be the most essential role one can have in life.
Unfortunately, our society has decided there is not much value in caregiving. Capitalism requires production. Tangible production. It’s difficult for a capitalist system to place value on caregiving, which is why those who work jobs centered around care are often underpaid and undervalued.