Michelle reads her essay, "Have Mercy," and she and Shana discuss their thoughts on the state of our democracy and the life events happening alongside the current events that make these chaotic times so trying. They conclude that having mercy for themselves and others helps.#podcast, #videopodcast, #writingpodcast, #writing, #writingcommunity, #womenwhowrite, #femalewriter, #femalefriendships, #womenover50, #essay, #essaywriting, #community, #mother, #parenting, #vulnerability, #values, #creativejourney, #writingworkshop, #videoessay, #applepodcasts, #spotifypodcasts, #boundaries, #brenebrown, #kellycorrigan, #glennondoyle, #wecandohardthings, #brutiful, #growth, #growthmindset, #womenpodcasters, #essaywriting, #midlifepodcast, #podcastforessaywriters, #podcastforwritersover50, #youtubepodcast, #democracy, #faith, #mercy