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How Do You Cope With The Sadness?

Thursday, 24 September 2009, 6:56 | Category : News
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Being an AR advocate can be challenging. Totally rewarding but sometimes, it can also be sad, demoralizing and make you shake your head at humanity. I had such a moment this morning when I read this article about a dog fighting operation taking place at a day care center. In fact, ten feet away from the dog fight were little kids playing outside. My heart went into my stomach. It always does when I read such news.

In general I try to keep this blog focused on the positive: ways we can help, vegan treats and products, and good news. But the truth is, bad news having to do with animals takes place every day. And it can be hard on the stomach, hard on the heart. Working in the AR non profit world, I see it all the time. I live in it. And sometimes it takes it’s toll on me emotionally and mentally.

So, I really have a question for you today. How do you cope with the sadness? 10 billion farm animals are raised and slaughtered in the most horrific conditions possible. Dog fighting is rampant in our cities. 4-6 million companion animals are euthanized every year. And more and more species are slipping into extinction. Yes, we are making progress every day, but the reality is still the reality. How do we as activists cope with the up hill battle? How do you handle it?

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  • Sallie Ann

    I recognize pain and suffering then move forward. If I let the pain and sadness effect me I am completely enabled from doing anything to stop it. I believe strongly that I influence the most people by living my truth rather than talking about it or giving them information they aren’t ready for. If I wear great clothes, cook good food and maintain a vibrant heart, people are attracted to that and want to emulate it in some way. I encourage ANY step they make, no matter how tiny.

    This doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated or depressed sometimes, but it does no good for myself, or animals or other humans or the world. I try to keep moving forward and focus on the good changes that have been made and there have been many. And, of course, I glean information from lovely people like yourself to share, gently, with everyone I know. Anyone who doesn’t see good things in the world needs to open their eyes wider.

    Namaste,

    Sallie Ann

  • http://www.bunny-bites/blogspot.com Sallie Ann

    I recognize pain and suffering then move forward. If I let the pain and sadness effect me I am completely enabled from doing anything to stop it. I believe strongly that I influence the most people by living my truth rather than talking about it or giving them information they aren’t ready for. If I wear great clothes, cook good food and maintain a vibrant heart, people are attracted to that and want to emulate it in some way. I encourage ANY step they make, no matter how tiny.

    This doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated or depressed sometimes, but it does no good for myself, or animals or other humans or the world. I try to keep moving forward and focus on the good changes that have been made and there have been many. And, of course, I glean information from lovely people like yourself to share, gently, with everyone I know. Anyone who doesn’t see good things in the world needs to open their eyes wider.

    Namaste,

    Sallie Ann

  • SG

    You have to find a way to compartmentalize. I have worked with shelter dogs for 9 yrs and people always say, “how do you do that?, I’d want to take them all home.” Yeah, of course I want to take them all home! But I can’t. And after I spend a couple of hours playing with them and loving them, does it break my heart to return them to a cage? Of course it does. But I don’t dwell on the sadness. I focus on the good I do and I think positively and hopefully about their futures. The sadness does creep in regularly, but I don’t let it linger. I acknowledge it, and I move on. Kudos to you for all you do!

  • SG

    You have to find a way to compartmentalize. I have worked with shelter dogs for 9 yrs and people always say, “how do you do that?, I’d want to take them all home.” Yeah, of course I want to take them all home! But I can’t. And after I spend a couple of hours playing with them and loving them, does it break my heart to return them to a cage? Of course it does. But I don’t dwell on the sadness. I focus on the good I do and I think positively and hopefully about their futures. The sadness does creep in regularly, but I don’t let it linger. I acknowledge it, and I move on. Kudos to you for all you do!

  • Dave

    Same way doctors see patients die. You do what you can and then move on.

  • Dave

    Same way doctors see patients die. You do what you can and then move on.

  • freewheel

    It’s admirable to feel responsibility for the earth, animals, and the welfare of fellow human beings, but at the end of the day you have to remember that the only person you have control over is yourself.

  • freewheel

    It’s admirable to feel responsibility for the earth, animals, and the welfare of fellow human beings, but at the end of the day you have to remember that the only person you have control over is yourself.

  • Alyson

    Thanks for sharing everyone. I agree that keeping your mind on what you can do vs. what you can’t do is vital to being and effective activist. But it’s also nice to know we all hit the same slump every once in a while. Makes it feel a bit less lonely. But as the awesome comments say, we just need to pick up and keep going.

  • Alyson

    Thanks for sharing everyone. I agree that keeping your mind on what you can do vs. what you can’t do is vital to being and effective activist. But it’s also nice to know we all hit the same slump every once in a while. Makes it feel a bit less lonely. But as the awesome comments say, we just need to pick up and keep going.

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