If you're like me, the last three years of the Trump Era have been enraging and, at times, debilitating. This crisis is massive and its consequences far-reaching. We have to fight it, but we're not going to make it if we don't take care of ourselves. 1/
This presidency is just awful, and it seeps into our lives regardless of where we are or what we're doing. It's ubiquitous and painful. It wears us out and breaks our hearts. We have to keep going, but we need to practice self-care. 2/
When I started covering this madness years ago I thought I could work and work and work and never suffer for it. The news only accelerated, the scandals mounted, the crimes grew in number, and the cruelty escalated. The news cycle got so far out of control no one could keep up 3/
It felt like if you even looked away from it you were somehow giving in and being complicit, but that's how this thing is designed. It's meant to wear us down until we can't even muster a fight. 4/
This platform is great for news and reaction and getting a finger on the national pulse, but it's okay to look away for a minute and take a breather. It'll still be here when you get back. 5/
The model Trump is working off of is the Putin strategy in Russia that's meant to muddle reality until we lose all hope and energy and can't keep fighting. It's by design. 6/
People I care about are suffering. People with depression, with anxiety, with mental health issues. They're suffering from this toxic cycle and this toxic atmosphere. And we all are. We have to learn our limits and when and how we need to recharge. 7/
Personally, I thought I was immune to it. I could get on here and use whatever platform I had to play my part. I know now I'm not impervious to it, and I want to say it's okay to step away for a minute and gather yourself and practice self-care. 8/
Trust that there are dedicated people who can fight when you can't fight. There are good people who can stand when you can't stand. Listen to your body, listen to yourself, and rest when you need it because you're going to need to fight and you'll need that energy. 9/
If we run ourselves down until our bodies give out, we're not going to be any good to anyone. That's how authoritarians win, because their lack of shame allows them to trample. We have to take care of ourselves, and one another, because it's more important than ever. 10/
If you're suffering, you're not weak. You need a break. It's not giving up, it's not waving a white flag, it's taking care of yourself and preparing for future battles. Listen to your body and listen to your head. Take comfort where you can find it, rest when you can. 11/11
