reader. writer.

I have been brainstorming ideas for next steps as I search for what to do in face of the challenges ahead (the accelerated challenges—if you read my previous post, you know that I acknowledged that the challenges aren’t new). When I have had the courage to peek at writings by people I respect (rather than the bizarre takes that treat this election as one to analyze as just an ordinary loss between two parties), some have offered helpful insights, which I will share in future posts (I hope—sometimes my ambition to blog vanishes, but right now, blogging feels like Something I Can Do in the face of All That I Cannot).

But this is the first step: Take care of yourself.

I can imagine that this idea might sound frustrating to hear. The house is burning down around us, everything and everyone is at risk, and you want me to…what? Breathe deeply?

Um, yes? I mean, if there is literally something you can do right this moment that will do more good than harm, then please do that, and quit reading my blog. But otherwise, you can’t help anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself. These are some of the ways I help myself feel almost okay, mostly small actions, as small as, yes, taking some slow deep breaths. I might make a to-do list just to have one thing in my life that is still in my control. Tune out for awhile. Listen to a favorite song. Go for a brisk walk. Get outside. Tend plants and animals, connect with nature. Gather with friends/community in ways that are uplifting and sustaining. Spend time doing something I love doing (and yeah, in the immediate aftermath, I found it hard to believe I could ever enjoy anything anymore, but I’m finding my way back and I hope you are too). Turn off the news, or at least limit how much I consume–I am very strategic in what and how I engage. It’s not because I don’t care about what is happening or what might happen, but that I care too much and it is paralyzing to process it all. Instead, I take it one day at a time, one idea at a time, and one moment to breathe at a time. 

This I believe: surviving, just surviving, is an act of defiance. 

I have more ideas to share, some a little saltier than this one, but I will save them for later posts. For now, take care. Be gentle with yourself as you seek your own next steps.