69: Glowing Up When the World Is On Fire

Quinn opens with a personal update on last week’s co-parenting conversation with Britta and why the extended chat now lives on Britta’s Substack. From there, Quinn digs into a hard question: How do we ethically glow up when Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, ICE raids, creeping fascism, and inflation are part of daily life? Her answer: a glow-up ≠ vanity. It’s alignment. It’s choosing where to invest (time, money, energy) and where to divest (relationships, brands, beliefs, guilt) so your life becomes a living declaration of your values. Quinn shares practical examples—from food rescue and ER volunteering to “dance-party therapy” with her kids—plus historic and modern stories of women who glowed under pressure. The close is a rallying cry: You can’t do everything, but you can do something—and that something matters. Key Takeaways Glow-up = alignment. It’s not lashes and Pilates; it’s integrity, clarity, and courage. Invest intentionally: community care, ethical spending, practices that keep you strong (therapy, journaling, lifting, rest, prayer/meditation, movement). Divest strategically: from draining relationships, exploitative brands, misaligned dating, and the guilt of “not doing enough.” One for me, one for we: each day, do one thing that resources you and one thing that serves your community. Your portfolio can change. What you invest/divest in will shift with seasons, capacity, and callings. Mini-Guide: Invest & Divest Checklist Invest Mutual aid / local volunteering (food rescue, shelters, community fridges) Showing up (school board meetings, public comment, court support) Women-/BIPOC-/locally-owned businesses Nervous-system care (therapy, journaling, lifting, nature, sleep) Connection & joy (weekly dance party with the kids, friend dates) Divest Relationships that chronically disrespect boundaries Brands that profit from exploitation or environmental harm Conversations/partners misaligned with core values Doomscrolling that drains action Guilt for not doing everything Practical Prompts (Journal or Voice Note) Values audit: What 3 words define my current season? Spending scan: Which 2 merchants this month reflect my values? Which 1 doesn’t? Time audit: What will I lovingly say no to this week to make room for a deeper yes? Daily duet: What’s one thing for me today? What’s one thing for we? Resources & Links Britta’s Substack episode (full co-parenting conversation): HERE or listen to the first 15 mintues HERE Find a local food rescue / mutual aid: search “[your city] + food rescue,” “[your city] + mutual aid” ER/hospital volunteer programs: check your local hospital’s website under “Volunteer Services” Try This This Week 5-minute money check: Move one recurring purchase to a local or values-aligned option. Text two friends: “Volunteering Saturday 8–10am—want to come?” 30-minute joy move: Solo dance party or walk—notice how your body wants to move. One email of courage: Decline a misaligned commitment without over-explaining. PostDivorceGlowUp.com Email: [email protected]