My Loves,
As we navigate through these challenging times, it's impossible to ignore the feelings of frustration, anger, and sadness many of us share regarding the current socio-political landscape, particularly with Drumpf back in the presidency. As he proceeds with his ridiculous Appointments, Shock and Awe tactics, this barrage of Executive Orders resembling a Dictatorship, and the enabling of a coup lead by Elon and his minions, I think it goes without saying that it's a reality that has left many feeling disheartened and concerned not only about the future of our country and world, but also genuinely fearing for their safety and security &/or that of their loved ones, family, colleagues, employees, and friends.
Now, more than ever, it's an important time to lean into community, whatever that looks like for you, supporting one another and nurturing connections that can help weather this storm. We are stronger together, and I want you to know, I'm here for you.
In times like these, rest is radical.
Nurture yourself.
Cultivate and tap into your inner strength and resiliency.
Fortify your energetic boundaries.
Don’t let the evil of these white male supremacist oligarchs take up residence in your heart.
We must pause, rest, and then rise to the occasion.
I must admit, I’ve been grappling for the last 16 months with overwhelming waves of hate, rage, and deep sorrow in my heart as I’ve witnessed the evil, maniacal, murderous games of global capitalist imperialism and the industrial war complex broadcast on my phone.
Bearing witness to such horrors, compounded with the pain of losing my mother this past Spring, and other challenges in my personal life, very much affected my mental / emotional, and physical health. If you saw my public-facing self, you might not know, because I’m really practiced at masking!
For a period of about 18 months, starting in Spring 2023, I found myself in a state of moderate to severe depression, often in freeze mode and executive dysfunction, CPTSD activated, working overtime to regulate my nervous system, struggling with the bandwidth to do what needs to be done to support my family and be ‘all in’ with my business. I didn’t shut down all the way personally or professionally, but I just operated at a fairly limited capacity for the majority of 2024.
In the immediate, I have no control of what’s happening and is going to happen. I shudder to think what may be coming, and, I know that me living in a fear-based place helps no one. I know if I allow myself, I feel everything, which is totally overwhelming to the nervous system, and it is not sustainable for me to live in such a disregulated state.
Seeing the steadfastness of the Palestinian people, their strength in a situation they should not have had to endure, not just in the horrific past 16 months, but throughout their existence in an apartheid regime, transformed something in me. It has inspired and instructed me in a way I would never ask for in a million years, and can’t explain. Amidst such pain, I see laughter, joy, wit, resourcefulness, music, incredible dancing, tenderness, authentic love, and powerful faith in a higher power. Resilience in the face of a living nightmare that makes any of my problems or losses look like peanuts.
And of course, it reminds me of the indomitable nature of the human spirit, the same beauty, brilliance, unbreakable soul, and impossible strength, now and over hundreds of years, of African Americans, the Indigenous of Turtle Island, my Irish & Scottish ancestors, and all my human family around the globe who are suffering or have suffered under the unimaginable cruelties and evil, dastardly deeds, of colonialism and neocolonialism.
A Spirit of Overcoming.
The Resistance of Existence.
(And the spirit of ‘Let’s make some fucking noise about it while we’re at it!’)
Let us remember that Divide & Conquer is the oldest trick in the book, and it works. It’s literally why white supremacy was created in the 1700s. We are seeing a new level of fuckery at play here because of the things they’ve been getting away with. We can’t let them win.
If you are white / hetero / cisgendered, your voice and advocacy is needed more than ever (& not in the white savior kinda way), as our country edges into fascism. Bigotry in all its forms must be confronted, whether it manifests in casual conversation or systemic injustice.
Have those difficult conversations. Call it out when someone says some off the wall shit to or near you. Be ready. We all know bigots aren’t new, but they’re feeling emboldened. If you see something going down, intervene where you can, document, record, be witty, humorous, use diversion tactics if needed, distract, redirect. Pay attention.
Let’s use our voices, our votes (pay attention to local and state elections more than ever), and our dollars to stand up against hate and discrimination, ensuring that we contribute to creating a world where everyone has equal rights, and feels valued, safe, heard, and honored.
We’ve got to have each others’ backs. Onward and upward.
In solidarity,
Your Sister and Friend,
Artis Marie
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