A Big Hug, Plus Four Things

Last night, my sister texted, “I just went to CoJ to see if you put a heartening message on Inauguration Day. I feel like you should put up a hug, waaaah.” I texted her back with so many hearts, but I was draped in children — these two, specifically — so couldn’t write much more.

But today, my loves, how are you? What’s your emotional temperature? The news is so heavy right now — for example, Elon Musk gave a Nazi salute omfg and Trump is pardoning nearly all the rioters who stormed the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, including the former leader of the Proud Boys. People are scared of what is going to happen over the next few days, weeks, months and years; many groups are feeling threatened and attacked.

I’d like to say four things.

First, we are all still here. My heart rate calms when I remind myself that Michelle and Barack Obama are fighting for good, Kamala Harris headed straight to L.A. to help fire survivors, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez never stops speaking truth to power; the list goes on and on. And just look around! Our families, our friends, our communities, we’re here for each other, and that is no small thing.

Kids are learning and growing and coming into themselves, as well. “Even though my heart is broken that she lost the election, and I was continuously enraged by the ways sexism and racism made everything harder for her, something unexpected happened to me on the job: I witnessed Harris’ impact, and it began to change me,” wrote Azza Cohen, Kamala Harris’s videographer. 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 am a leader,”‘ and even the youngest girls would say it back.”

Second, keep your spirits up! “The Trump people have been signaling for days that they’re going to hit the ground running with what they describe as an executive ‘shock and awe,’” wrote Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo. “All of this is meant to hit you with so much sensory stimulus that you become overwhelmed.” So, take deep breaths and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Let your love for people give you stamina.

Third, know your rights, and share that info with those who may need it. For example, here’s a clear list of immigrant rights, including “you have the right to remain silent,” “you don’t need to open your door to anyone unless they show you a warrant signed by a judge,” and “you have the right to speak to a lawyer.” Please share other factsheets in the comments section, if you have them.

Fourth, we will be organizing Cup of Jo / Big Salad volunteering days, and we would love for you to join us in person! We will be doing things like getting out the vote to help flip the House in 2026. Delivering food to folks who need it. Fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. Protecting access to women’s health centers. Please stay tuned for sign-up information.

Sending so much love to anyone who needs it. What would you add? How are you feeling? Please share below. xoxoxo

P.S. There is good in this world, and an anxiety trick that works.

(Photo of Maroon Bell Trail by Aaron Thomas/Stocksy.)