What Does It Mean To Be A Witness Right Now?
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I was just chatting with a friend who's in town visiting her mom for a week. Knowing her mom's tendency to rewrite history, my friend came prepared—writing things down, documenting conversations, and keeping a record so she wouldn't start doubting her own memory. It reminded me of my childhood. My mom had a habit of passing out drunk and snoring loudly on the couch before putting me to bed. When I mentioned it, she snapped and said it never happened. So next time, I pulled out our clunky old tape recorder to prove I was telling the truth. She wasn't impressed. But I persisted. When I was seven and our teenage babysitter left my infant sister home alone so she could go visit her boyfriend, I was outraged at the rule breaking, but she said it was fine. Later that night, I climbed out of bed, found a scrap of paper and a crayon, and wrote it down under the glow of a street light so I could prove it the next day. And that reminds me of what we’re seeing now. Living under oppressive systems that deny reality is a lot like living in a toxic family. Those with more power harm those with less, and then insist it either didn’t happen or was deserved. That’s why reclaiming narrative authority is so important. Throughout history, ordinary people have used writing to bear witness, document injustice, and resist authoritarianism, and we have a chance to do that now. If you feel grief, anger, or disbelief about what you’re seeing, writing can be a way to process your feelings and channel them into action. Later this month, I’m hosting Write Your Resistance, a free 90-minute workshop to help you document this moment in history through journals, letters, and other forms of civic writing. We’ll explore resistance writing from the civil rights movement and WWII for inspiration, and spend time reflecting, writing, and building community. No writing experience necessary. Learn more and save your seat for Write Your Resistance. Saturday, February 21; 12-1:30 PM PT | 3-4:30 PM ET Books Are My Love Language 📚Heartwood (2025) by Amity Gaige is an excellent literary thriller that explores, through a hiker’s odyssey, what it means to be lost, and what it means to be found. It’s filled with strong, complex characters, and I highly recommend the audiobook which is narrated by a full cast. This passage really resonated: It’s the dream mother that you have to let go of. The one you pined for, the one you thought your decency promised you. She’s the one you’ve got to bury. She’s a mirage. She’ll only break your heart. Have you read it? What did you think? What are you reading these days? Hit reply and let me know. Weekly Journal Prompt ✍️What do I love most about myself? Write bravely, my friend. See you next week. -Amber 🥰 PS. Do you know someone in midlife who's looking to build community? Forward this page so they can sign up below. Thanks so much for reading and sharing! 🙏 PPS. Have you seen my new Midlife Magic Journal Series? Explore the full series here. |
Have you been last on your own list for so long you forgot you were on it?
I'm Amber Campbell — journalist, writer, and midlife reinvention coach. I help women rebuild after big life ruptures like high-conflict divorce, family estrangement, empty nest, and career change. I didn't just study this work. I lived it. Every week I write a personal letter — honest, reflective, no toxic positivity — about what it really looks like to become your own hero after everything blows up.