I've been a social worker and activist for 35 years. This book is the result of thousands of conversations I've had with friends, healers, clients, colleagues and comrades. 

I’ve learned that the traumas and losses we experienced growing up have taught us how to be helpers and activists.

Heaped on are the oppressive messages that colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy, homophobia, transphobia, racism, ableism and ageism teach us about caring for ourselves and others.

The good news: we developed super powers—as empathic listeners, change-makers, crisis managers, social justice warriors or problem-solvers. 

And the bad news? We likely weren’t taught how to metabolize messy feelings or manage boundaries and conflict.

The end result? Many of us find it hard to escape the cycle of overwork, overwhelm and recovery.

My hope is that this book helps readers explore personal and political barriers to, and new options for, self-care and community care.