Note to Self no. 2: thoughts, tears and the work that must be done
it's hard to put into words how i feel about everything that has occurred this past week. i'm speechless and numb from what i'm hearing and seeing around me. sensitive by nature, i can't NOT feel the change in the air. i'm not afraid to say that i am emotional about all of this. the fighter in me wants to fight. the creative in me wants to create to help move these feelings out of my body. my need and will to cry is on overload. all my life i've received comments about how i wear my heart on my sleeve and now i say fuck it. i'm glad i do. none of us should box up how we feel about this and what is occurring across the country. use your voice. speak up. stand up. it's not the time to just withdraw from the world or ignore it. the disappointment + fear wants you to be quiet. instead ride the surge to fight, prepare for what's ahead, love stronger than ever and give away as many smiles + kind words away as possible. talk more about what can be done and act to do so. walk the walk. tell someone they are beautiful. get to know your neighbors. volunteer at the local animal shelter. cuddle your pets. put your money where your mouth is. support local farmers + small businesses in community. go out more to share your support of the community, the arts and the environment. spread the word about peaceful gatherings. attend those peaceful gatherings. learn how to protect yourself. now's a good time to take that martial arts class (that one's been on my to-do list). create a safe place if you see someone being verbally attacked. invite that person to leave with you if the harassment doesn't stop. if you see someone being physically attacked, call 911 and help if possible. cook more at home. invite others over to share those meals. support the state + national parks. got to the museum. forget meeting at a bar, meet at a gallery. become a big sister. be a leader. donate to planned parenthood. take time for self-care. love unconditionally. find beauty. practice gratitude. laugh. evoke your inner Harry Potter. don't forget the care bear stare. celebrate those you love and the tiny victories that happen for you...and above all: be you. your uniqueness is what makes the fight for what's right worth it.
A list to help get you started or refer back to:
LISTEN: Solange's A Seat at the Table