Hi Reader,

This week, I celebrated one more trip around the sun. It came and went with very little fuss -- I almost forgot about it. As it wrapped up, I spent some time reflecting on motherhood, gratitude, and what's becoming increasingly important to me. You can read more about it here.

I've spent a lot of time this year thinking a lot about the systems that make motherhood harder than it needs to be.

We're expected to work like we don't have children, parent like we don't have jobs, keep a home that looks Instagram-ready, maintain our "pre-baby bodies," and somehow practice self-care in our abundant free time...

All with less community support than any generation before us.

When I lose my cool with my kids (and yes, I still do – the woman who teaches about mindfulness and nervous system regulation), I've started to recognize that it's not just about me needing better tools. It's about a culture that asks too much of mothers and gives too little in return.

I've also spent a lot of time wondering what my role is in helping to fix this broken system. I haven't come up with many ideas. But, today is an economic blackout day – a day of intentionally not spending to demonstrate collective economic power and advocate for equality and justice. And, I can participate as one tiny act of activism.

I had planned to open my Raising Slow membership at a special birthday price this week – my way of making these tools more accessible to more mothers. Because while I can't single-handedly change our culture, I can share what works.

But instead, I'm pausing. The membership will still open, but on Monday instead. And, yes, I realize we are encouraged to shop small, to support micro businesses -- of which I am one, I also realize in supporting small business (mine included) we also support big banks (I use PayPal), big tech (I use Gmail), and likely other enormous companies.

Here's an expanded section that addresses both the economic impact and diversity dimensions, specifically highlighting how these issues affect mothers as women:

Why does this blackout matter?

We're often the ones managing our families' budgets and rising costs. We're the ones navigating healthcare decisions for our children (more rising costs!). We're facing motherhood penalties at work (fewer dollars for those rising costs).

We're also facing the potential of reduced spending on our healthcare, our communities, and any research specifically targeted at women.

By supporting this blackout we're using our collective economic power to advocate for changes that would support ALL mothers – regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or background.

I recognize this is a drop in the bucket for big box stores and the economy. But, even a mostly symbolic gesture can inspire change. It is yet to be seen if it will do anything, but it certainly has the media talking. We're also showing our children that sometimes, doing nothing (not spending) can be a powerful way of doing something.

Anyway, I'll be back in your inbox next week with more about the membership. For today, I'm slowing down and spending $0.

Yours in gratitude for another year,

P.S. Looking for free ways to spend time with your family during today's economic blackout? Yes and Yes put together 26 lovely-fun-free things to do with your kids today that support both the blackout and more connected family time.