Thread by @jbf1755

A somewhat corny but well-meaning list of helpful things to think about, do, and accept in our current time of struggle.

1. Being anxious is normal.

2. Talking to friends, relatives, or a therapist can be a very good thing right now. A very, very good thing.

3. We need to remember that change can happen very quickly; be alert and ready to act.

4. Eating too much ice cream or chocolate (or chips or anything else for that matter) is fine and dandy right now. We're feeling stressed. Comfort food is good.

5. As I tell folks on Thursday mornings: if rhetoric REALLY upsets you REALLY quickly, before you erupt, pause & consider if the eruption is the point.

There are folks trying to stoke anxiety & play psychological games.

Don't fall for it.

Be a careful reader / listener.

6. Reach out to people you care about. It can help you -- and help them.

7. Work for what you care about. Support people who are doing the same.

Write or protest or make phone calls or be moral support.

Stand up for what you believe in.

8. Art, music, drama, literature: things of beauty or depth that take you out of yourself, or help you focus your mind, are a really good thing.

Allow yourself to enjoy them.

9. Breathe.

10. Remember: we can still effect change.

11. The USA is a blend of high ideals and epic failures.

Both matter. A lot.

And reckoning with both of these things matters.
It's our only path to working towards something better.

12. Your support and awareness of the chance for change matters.

A lot.

Offer it to people in the middle of the struggle.
Give people a voice.
Particularly if others are trying to deny them a voice.

13. Lucky thirteen:

There are lots of good people in the world.

Let your heart own that.

/Fin