It is Valentine's Day and the world is full of hate. For the first time in my life, my natural reaction is to withdraw rather than rush into the streets and pound people in the face (which is why I have not ever and will not ever EVER join a protest). Alas, this is not a time where one can do that, but I will leave the what to better people than I. There are general strikes and protests and yes you should write your congressthings.
Do all the things.
But as and mayhap before you do, take a breath. As a writer, when I wear that hat, I am an entertainer. And that means reading and empathizing with my audience in a live reading or podcast or simply sitting down and writing. And in that capacity I have learned a few things you might find useful.
You cannot give if you are an empty shell. Self care was important during covid and its more important now. Eat. Read. Exercise. Find a routine that lets you balance staying connected and also letting your batteries recharge. If you are empty they will break you, and they want to break you. And if you break you have no idea how many people around you might break too. Maybe no one cares, maybe more people than you can imagine are counting on you. Hell, maybe your neighbors you barely speak to need you to wave and say hello every day. Keeping it together is half the battle.
And about that.
Be there for people. Reach out to friends and family with empathy. Be more available because in the times to come we will all need each other. Trust will be at a premium and the people you are there for now will be there for you later. Vent. Reminiss. Ask how they are doing. Empathy and kindness are our greatest weapons against hate and ignorance. Joy is the kryptonite of the current regime but Joy is a long term investment; it must be real and cannot be forced.
You cannot clap harder to make joy happen. Build something together; anything. A house, an app, a play, a school. There is no greater sense of accomplishment when the world is falling apart than pushing against the tide and making something real happen.
And above all, if you have a romantic interest; be romantic today. Symbols matter and right now they matter a ton. Show love. Show that you care.
One day at a time.