Based on past experiences, I know my brain won’t want to remember how terrible the next 4 years (hopefully just 2) will be but with enough time distance, I will get to a point where I will be genuinely curious to know what my state of mind was during these challenging times. I’m definitely in survival mode, pacing myself when it comes to consuming news and social media, holding on to joy where ever and whenever it comes my way.

It’s really important to take of yourself these days. One way I’m doing that is reading a lot of books. I’m reading physical books, through my Kindle or Libby apps and through audio. Last year I set a goal to read 24 books and I just made it. Here are the books I’ve read:

We’re just halfway through February, and I’ve already finished seven books and I”m in the middle of reading three books. I’ve been reading a mix of genres, mostly fiction and recently found my self drawn to dystopian novels. In a morbid sort of way, though they are fiction, I’m consuming them like survival guides. Taking a weird comfort in knowing, well if these fictional characters can endure the horrors of their worlds, maybe we’ll get through our reality.

Finding myself dipping in to despair every so often – like at least once a day – but trying not to stay in it. Yoga, prayer, music and being outside daily help to balance out the despair. I don’t want the news to feel debilitating but it really is just horrible anytime the political stuff comes up. News needs to be purely informative and play the role of, okay, weather and traffic is that, this is how I proceed with my day. Beyond that, watching the news is so much harder to take but I’ll read the news, it’s a little easier to handle that way.

Taking action is important, but ugh, why does it have to involve phone calls. I’m trying though. I’ve been donating, signing petitions and planning to attend a protest soon.

Finding your community is crucial and thank goodness I’ve found that. I’m working on cultivating and taking care of the community that has sustained me. Ha, vague much? I guess paranoia is part of the times.

And as always, in any climate, seeking, finding, and holding on to even the smallest of joys is how we get through all of this.