Sitting With Our Sadness

Then getting back into action

I have learned to sit with my sadness.

It’s an important part of my process.

I am unable to focus on my investigative work without paying respect to the grief of loss.

I continue to lose people in my life to the Great Information War.

Even when it’s not someone I’m particularly close to, I still feel winded.

Reporting on this war is my life’s work, and I want so much to say:

“You’ve been targeted! It’s not your fault! No one brainwashes themselves!”

But that’s not how it works.

They are on their own path — I will be a safe harbor if and when they should return to their pre-radicalized selves.

But today I am sad. Another perfectly decent person was snatched by the merger of the MAGA-QAnon Cult.

So, I acknowledge my grief. I allow myself ten minutes on the couch, to sit with my feelings.

I know I am not alone. I hear from people every day who too are saddened by those they’ve lost.

After I’ve taken a few minutes, sending love and light their way, I return to my desk, and get back to work.

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Bette Dangerous is a reader-funded magazine. Thank you to all monthly, annual, and founding members. Thank you as well to all those who support my work with your generous coffee tips and who buy my ebooks. Some of you prefer making subsidizing donations via venmo, and it’s always greatly appreciated.

Also, a private link to an annual membership discount for older adults, those on fixed incomes or drawing disability, as well as activists and members of the media is available upon request at bettedangerous/gmail. 🥹

More info about Bette Dangerous - This magazine is written by Heidi Siegmund Cuda, an Emmy-award winning investigative reporter/producer, author, and veteran music and nightlife columnist. She is the cohost of RADICALIZED Truth Survives, an investigative show about disinformation and is part of the Byline Media team. Thank you for your support of independent investigative journalism.

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Begin each day with a grateful heart.

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