that’s just what’s happening

How easy is it to get caught up in trying to solve the world’s problems from your own little corner? Too damn easy.

There’s a lot of shit happening in the United States (and the world) right now that makes my blood simmer on a near daily basis it seems. The powers that be have shown pretty much every group–except rich, white men–they don’t care about us. They don’t care about anything beyond keeping themselves at the top.

Find your own ways to resist the bullshit–donate to mutual aid inside and outside your community, volunteer your time to causes that matter to you, make art, focus on creating a sense of community in the spaces you occupy, and organize. And don’t forget during your efforts it is healthy and necessary to rest and take a break. It is okay to focus on yourself when you need to because that’s the only way we’re getting through four years of insanity.

“You’re doing what you’re doing, and that’s just what’s happening, baby.”

I saw this quote today on Instagram, during a time when I’ve been trying not to put stress on myself to feel the need to accomplish this that and the other. There are plenty of things I would like to do and I am actively doing, yet the pressure to do them within a certain time or in a certain way is daunting. So, I’ve found the most effective way to strike a balance between getting shit done and rebuilding my energy is to do more of the things I love with my free time, which I seem to have a lot of these days.

Somehow I’ve been able to build a little routine for myself–make breakfast, have a cup of coffee, read at least a chapter of a book, do some sort of physical movement, and do something creative.

This has managed to be the least depressing January in recent memory
(for the most part) and I think it’s due to being more intentional with my time. I go to book club once a month, spend time getting inspired to make art, and at least a few times a month make a point to connect with my friends and family. There have also been plenty of afternoons spent loafing around on the couch with my dog, Mac. I appreciate that he lets me rub his velvety ears now and then while I read.

We put all this pressure on ourselves to make every second count, but what does that mean? Do the minutes spent watching a movie, taking a much needed nap, going on a walk with your dog, taking an afternoon to browse around an antique store, or spend three hours at lunch with your friends not count as a positive somehow? Fuck no. Those are the minutes that matter more than anything, the minutes you’ll go back to over and over. We’re all out here trying to make something good for ourselves and for the people we love and that in itself is a noble pursuit.

My challenge for you as January comes to an end and we move closer to spring each day is to do one thing you love every day. It doesn’t matter what that one thing is. Or incorporate something into your day like stretching in the morning or cooking your favorite breakfast or going for a walk around the block to get some fresh air or journaling your thoughts. Maybe even call a friend to check up on them.

Your life does not need to be punctuated by accolades and accomplishments. You don’t need to have anything to “show for it”. You’re doing what you’re doing, and that’s a beautiful thing.