You Are Not Alone

Dear Co-op Friends,

There is a lot happening in the world right now — so much of it is horrific, heartbreaking, and nearly impossible to process. For many of us, part of what makes this moment especially difficult is how little control we have over what’s happening. This can intensify anxiety, grief, anger, or feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. If you’re feeling any of that, please know this: You are not alone.

Despite all the uncertainty, one thing I know is that we don’t have to carry these feelings by ourselves. In moments like these, leaning into caring for one another really matters, and gives us some control in an out-of-control world. How we show care can take many different shapes: We can listen without trying to fix, be curious and ask gentle questions, assume best intentions, seek first to understand, and slow down to reflect. Caring can show up through even the smallest acts of kindness — check in on a neighbor, lend a hand to help bring in the groceries, say hello, thank someone for their effort, or practice loving-kindness.

Caring for ourselves is also part of caring for each other. Getting outside, spending time in nature, forest bathing, and moving our bodies can help lift spirits. Simply breathing fresh air can be grounding and restorative, especially when things feel out of control. When we take care of ourselves through rest and self-care, we build the resilience that allows us to keep showing up for one another.

As you know, our Co-op exists not just as a place to buy healthy food; it’s also a place to meet your neighbor and a place where we create opportunities to connect. In the coming weeks, we invite you to join us (and each other) at a few meaningful community events.

We’ll be gathering for our 26th Annual  MLK Jr. Day Event on January 19 — a time to honor Dr. King’s legacy and celebrate his notion of a “Beloved Community,” where people live in harmony and share mutual respect. We also invite you to Fire & Story, January 22 to 24, at Bellingham’s Waterfront. This festival brings our community together through storytelling, creativity, and connection during the heart of winter’s darkness.

Coming together in ways like these will help us get through this difficult time. And I know we will get through this, because of the care, patience, and humanity that you bring to our Co-op and to our community. It truly matters. Even when the world feels insane, how we show up for one another here is a meaningful counterbalance to the insanity. You are not alone.

With love and gratitude,

Lisa Sedlar
CEO/GM