Let’s Sing!: Encouragement from a Fellow Resister + Some Advice
Dear fellow citizens,
It’s been a dark month, no alternative facts needed. The Trump administration has harmed the rights and wellbeing of pretty much anyone who isn’t white, rich, and male. In particular, the recent actions of ICE, the attacks on the EPA, and the continued assault on the ACA are barbaric (you have any idea how long it took me to choose three things?). Adding to that, the increasing evidence of Russian involvement create a terrifying atmosphere.
And while there are still people calling and writing letters and going to marches and taking things into their own hands across the nation, some of you seem to losing your motivation and energy or starting to be social media activists exclusively. This is not productive.
A few words of advice:
- Take care of yourself. Eat well, exercise, and sleep. Don’t take your devices into the bedroom. Do something that makes you happy. A national crisis is no excuse to treat yourself badly; an empty cup won’t pour.
- Pick an issue and stick to it. Don’t try to do everything, because you will just go insane. You will be able to do more focused work and bring your best self to one topic as opposed to many.
- Make a schedule. Call one person a day, donate once a month, work on your own project for X amount of time. Set manageable goals. You can always break down a large scale endeavor into bite sized steps.
- Get the feelings out. You are probably feeling angry, stressed, frightened of depressed. These are perfectly normal reactions, but don’t let them fester. Vigorous exercise, relaxing activities, expressing your feelings, or just having a good cry can all relieve tension.
- If you have a belief/spiritual practice: meditate. Pray. Engage with your inner self. You will need the time to contemplate and recharge (and guidance never hurt).
- If you don’t: Talk with a friend. Try therapy. Journal.
- Know how to be safe. Know your rights. Know where you can get help. Make as much of a safety net as you can.
- Know how to help those you care about. See above.
- Don’t try to convince extremists. Instead, woo more moderate people over to your side. Be warned: you must know your audience, listen, and brush up your rhetorical skills.
- Be kind, but firm. Kindness doesn’t mean being a doormat or letting your values slip. Firmness also doesn’t mean being a jerk.
- Research. Know your information and sources by seeking it out yourself.
- Watch for traps and stereotypes. Don’t act exactly as you are expected to.
I suggest you read about the history of various movements, spend time with loved ones, see what will be affected in your local community and how you can help. All these are very motivating.
And finally:
Rest well and go high,
MWM
