A Big Hug, Plus Four Things

Last night, my sister texted me: “I just went to CoJ to see if you put up an encouraging message on Inauguration Day. I feel like you should hug me, waaaah.” I texted her back with so many hearts, but I was surrounded by kids, specifically these two, so I couldn’t write much more.

But today my loves How are you? What is your emotional temperature? The news is very heavy right now: for example, Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute and Trump is pardoning almost all of the rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, including the former leader of the Proud Boys. People are afraid of what is going to happen in the coming days, weeks, months and years; Many groups feel threatened and attacked.

I would like to say four things.

First, we are all still here. My heart rate calms down as I remind myself that Michelle and Barack Obama are fighting the good fight, Kamala Harris headed straight to Los Angeles to help fire survivors, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez never fails to speak truth to power ; The list goes on and on. And just look around you! Our families, our friends, our communities, we are here for each other, and that is no small feat.

Children are also learning, growing and becoming themselves again. “Although I am heartbroken that she lost the election and continually infuriated by the way sexism and racism made everything harder for her, something unexpected happened to me at work: I witnessed Harris’ impact and she began to change . me,” wrote Azza Cohen, Kamala Harris’ cameraman. Cohen filmed hundreds of clips of Harris encouraging young people to believe in themselves, especially girls. “The vice president would say, ‘Let me hear you say, ‘I’m a leader,’ and even the younger girls would say the same thing.”

Secondly, keep your spirits up! “Trump’s people have been indicating for days that they are going to hit the ground running with what they describe as an executive ‘shock and awe,’” wrote Talking Points Memo’s Josh Marshall. “All of this is meant to hit you with so much sensory stimulation that you feel overwhelmed.” So take a deep breath and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Let your love for people give you resistance.

Third, know your rights and share that information with those who may need it. For example, here is a clear list of immigrant rights, including “you have the right to remain silent,” “you do not need to open your door to anyone unless you are shown an order signed by a judge,” and “you have the right to talk to a lawyer.” Share other fact sheets in the comments section, if you have them.

Fourth, we’ll be hosting Cup of Jo/Big Salad volunteer days, and we’d love for you to join us in person! We’ll do things like get out the vote to help flip the House in 2026. Deliver food to people who need it. Fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. Protect access to women’s health centers. Stay tuned for registration information.

Sending lots of love to anyone who needs it. What would you add? How do you feel? Please share below. xoxxoxo

PS: There are good things in this world and a trick for anxiety that works.

(Maroon Bell Trail photo by Aaron Thomas/Stocksy.)