don't just choose hope. practice it.
and two little ways to take care of yourself
A peek inside today’s issue:
connecting the astrology to the news (and why today is consequential)
why you should scribble more
what to know about this revolution in Iran
how to verify what you see on social
a tiny reset you can (and should!) take
January 25, 2026 (Letters from an American)
One of my woo woo things is how I will check my astrology app before setting major work deadlines. It can’t hurt, and my head of operations is now used to it and humors me.
Chani’s been spot on in her connections between the stars and the current events that are now unfolding. According to her, this week (today, especially!) is one of the biggest this year.
And that’s in line with the increasingly unified response against ICE in Minnesota, with a growing coalition of unlikely allies—Minneapolis’ police department, the National Basketball Players Association, the Minnesota National Guard, second amendment rights advocates, the founding leaders of the Department of Homeland Security (which oversees ICE), and conservative media.
I choose hope because I reject any other choice. I also ground my hope in regular action, as insignificant as it feels. I’ll be heeding Alex Pretti’s words as my rallying cry to stay in this work:
“Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work at it, nurture it, protect it, and even sacrifice for it. May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom. So in this moment, we remember and give thanks for their dedication and selfless service to our nation in the cause of our freedom. In this solemn hour, we [give] them our honor, and our gratitude.”
What Trump Fails to Grasp About Iran (The Atlantic)
gift link via my subscription
I highly encourage you to watch Nazanin Nour’s video first.
Then, read this article. Written by Omid Memarian (who was tortured in a secret prison by the IRGC), it deftly outlines the tyrannical grasp that regime has on Iran, American hubris in intervention, and why this revolution is different, and also the same.
Again, I will choose hope and action. My action to support a free Iran is rooted in learning more, and amplifying the smart voices and articles that are on the front lines fighting for their freedom.
“Somatic Art” Is A Low-Pressure Way To Get Unstuck (Bustle)
I want you to take a break from what you’re doing. Grab a piece of blank paper, a pen, and some colored ones if you have them (broken crayons and dull colored pencils also work, for my fellow parents out there).
Draw a squiggle. Don’t think about it, don’t question it. Just scribble until you stop. Grab a color and start coloring in a little section made by the overlapping lines. You can also color them in with your pen, or fill a section with polka dots, stripes, a checkboard, or more squiggles.
Color and doodle for as long as you can. When you feel like scrolling, grab this paper instead and doodle.
There’s a term for this practice - somatic art - and it’s proven to be therapeutic.
I started #5SmartReads 7 years ago as a way to amplify underreported news and underrepresented perspectives. Your support makes this series possible (has helped me publish more issues a week) . Thank you for your subscriptions (all of them) and for sharing my work with your circles. If budget permits, I would be so appreciative of your paid support of my work.
