Many of us carry an incredibly heavy heart, laden in sorrow, confusion, and emotional exhaustion. Social media brings on new waves of tears. Here’s a secret: it’s okay to take a break. Step away. Recenter. Breathe. As long as you need. Some good things have come from all the terrible events occurring every day. Hear me out before getting angry, turning away, rolling your eyes. Look at how many people worldwide are standing up for their beliefs and rights. Do you see the masses peacefully fighting to protect each other? This is beautiful and worthy of celebration. People from all walks of life are realizing how terrifying the world is and are finally stepping up to instill change. Society’s world views are being turned upside down and recreated. Those who never took time to understand the troubles of others are stopping in their tracks, reevaluating, and raising their voices. The circumstances are horrendous, yes, but it is in these dark moments that the light and hope of change is born. Find your community of support. Find people to help you heal. Find people to protect you. Build circles of discussion. Words are our catharsis. Never be silent. Never stop fighting with peace, love, and kindness. Toni Morrison once said, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.” To work we go. Change is happening. We must ensure it is positive and for ALL people. The culture and world we crave IS possible. There is no room for hate and discrimination. You are loved. You are supported. We are fighting for you. Have hope, find courage, be kind. Be a light for yourself and others.
