Navigating Fear and Grief in Uncertain Times: A Call for Community and Self-Care
We need each other right now.
I’m scared. I don’t know what the future looks like for us. I’m afraid of what I think it looks like.
I am tired and running off three hours of sleep and high emotions (like so many of you), so I wish I could be more eloquent—but here are some reminders and things I’ve done today as I grieve and process:
1. Check in on the people you love. I’ve called (and cried with) my LGBTQ+ family members. I let them know they are loved and I’m here for them. We all need this reminder right now.
2. Re-evaluate community and use the block button liberally. Yes, it’s time to organize, but it’s also time to reassess where you belong and who is rooting for and against your existence.
Find and cultivate communities that actively support and stand beside you. I’ve seen a lot of local FB groups offer support and resources, even small actions like that can help.
DJT supporters are loud, they’ve told you who they are, and continue to tell you. There is no reasoning with them. Block, unfollow, unfriend, repeat. It’s overdue.
3. Ground yourself—whether that’s rotting in bed or taking a walk. I’ve done a bit of both today. And I’m thankful I have a cat to rot in bed beside me. Animals know. Céline and I cuddled as I cried into my pillow at 3AM.
4. Nourish yourself. When I’m stressed, I lose my appetite. For others, they may snack more. Neither is “bad,” but try to take care of yourself and be kind to your body today. Hydrate.
I’m currently on a sober journey. Does this feel 10x harder without alcohol? Yes. Do I know that my anxiety will be 10x worse if I were drinking? Also yes. If you’re also exploring sobriety or feeling tempted, this is your reminder that you’ve worked hard to get where you are. I saw a thread that said “He’s taken enough, don’t let him take this.”
Today is not a day for perfection. Today is not a day to “see both sides.” Today is not a day for toxic positivity.
Grieve. Process. Take care of yourself. Rest so that we can show up, organize, and fight. We have a lot of work to do.