Final evening, my sister texted, “I simply went to CoJ to see should you put a heartening message on Inauguration Day. I really feel like it’s best to put up a hug, waaaah.” I texted her again with so many hearts, however I used to be draped in youngsters — these two, particularly — so couldn’t write way more.
However right now, my loves, how are you? What’s your emotional temperature? The information is so heavy proper now — for instance, Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute omfg and Trump is pardoning almost all of the rioters who stormed the Capitol on January sixth, 2021, together with the previous chief of the Proud Boys. Persons are terrified of what’s going to occur over the subsequent few days, weeks, months and years; many teams are feeling threatened and attacked.
I’d prefer to say 4 issues.
First, we’re all nonetheless right here. My coronary heart price calms once I remind myself that Michelle and Barack Obama are combating for good, Kamala Harris headed straight to L.A. to assist fireplace survivors, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by no means stops talking reality to energy; the record goes on and on. And simply go searching! Our households, our associates, our communities, we’re right here for one another, and that’s no small factor.
Youngsters are studying and rising and coming into themselves, as nicely. “Though my coronary heart is damaged that she misplaced the election, and I used to be constantly enraged by the methods sexism and racism made every part tougher for her, one thing surprising occurred to me on the job: I witnessed Harris’ influence, and it started to alter me,” wrote Azza Cohen, Kamala Harris’s videographer. Cohen filmed a whole lot of clips of Harris encouraging younger individuals to consider in themselves — particularly ladies. “The vp would say, ‘Let me hear you say, “I’m a frontrunner,”‘ and even the youngest ladies would say it again.”
Second, hold your spirits up! “The Trump individuals have been signaling for days that they’re going to hit the bottom working with what they describe as an govt ‘shock and awe,’” wrote Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo. “All of that is meant to hit you with a lot sensory stimulus that you just turn into overwhelmed.” So, take deep breaths and hold placing one foot in entrance of the opposite. Let your love for individuals offer you stamina.
Third, know your rights, and share that information with those that may have it. For instance, here’s a clear list of immigrant rights, together with “you’ve gotten the best to stay silent,” “you don’t must open your door to anybody until they present you a warrant signed by a decide,” and “you’ve gotten the best to talk to a lawyer.” Please share different factsheets within the feedback part, you probably have them.
Fourth, we will likely be organizing Cup of Jo / Big Salad volunteering days, and we might love so that you can be a part of us in particular person! We will likely be doing issues like getting out the vote to assist flip the House in 2026. Delivering food to people who want it. Fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. Protecting access to girls’s well being facilities. Please keep tuned for sign-up info.
Sending a lot like to anybody who wants it. What would you add? How are you feeling? Please share beneath. xoxoxo
P.S. There is good in this world, and an anxiety trick that works.
(Picture of Maroon Bell Path by Aaron Thomas/Stocksy.)
