Generally speaking, the way I deal with the scariness of the world is by being an optimist. I can often hear myself saying stupid shit that only a fool would spout in sad or hopeless situations because positivity is a slippery rope I cling to in turbulent waters. But I can’t help it. It’s how I cope.
But on this day, I will quote Ego Nwodim as Joy Reid on SNL: “This man was designed by the devil to break my spirit.” And I don’t have to say this man’s name.
You know who I’m talking about because this person’s goal IS to break spirits like mine. He doesn’t believe someone like me deserves a spirit. His gift is marketing fear and sowing chaos wherever he goes.
And you know who I’m talking about because this person’s goal IS to break spirits like mine. He doesn’t believe someone like me deserves a spirit.
I don’t want to go on and on about the despair and horror I feel because I’m solution-oriented. So, here’s what I’m thinking I may try to do over the coming weeks and (God help us!) years.
- I will stay active on social media with my “progressive agenda.” The government now has its hands in Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Messenger, WhatsApp, Giphy, Metaquest, Rayban Meta, and — as of yesterday — TikTok. The algorithm has shifted in more ways than one. Also, I heard he and his second in command have automatically had people “follow” their Facebook profiles without consent. Go figure! Check and make sure they didn’t do this to you. I know folks are doing a blackout, and they should if they need. But I want to share facts on social media — as my mental health allows — to counter all of the misinformation and hate speech coming down the pipeline now that Meta has no fact checkers. I think any resistance will sadly have to take place online more than in the streets.
- I will ignore his face. Because a girl can only take so much. I want to stay up-to-date on the news but I will have more self-control this time around. I can’t spend my days gasping at my phone.
- I will focus on helping where I can. I’m going to look toward offering what support I can to communities that are being targeted. I will have to get creative about ways I can be of service. I will likely not be protesting unless necessary. Taking smart action is important.
- And I love this Ben and Jerry’s post from today.
- I am going to try to keep my sense of humor and irony. Last time around, I was postpartum and humorless, a phenomenon I’ve been trying to write about since. But this time, I will root myself in humor as my primary coping mechanism because my optimism is waning.
- I will focus on staying grounded. The covid response left me unmoored and by the time the insurrection came around, I spiraled. It’s hard for me to lean into pessimism, but I know that we need to ground ourselves, protect ourselves, and not expect the government to do anything in our favor.
- I will try to find joy in community. We are what we’ve got now. So, let’s start communicating and communing. Let’s dance more, let’s sing more, let’s create more. We can be not lazy and not crazy. I think so at least.
Follow Liz Tracy’s Substack, Not a Serious Life, for not-serious takes on pop culture, our aging bodies, and more.
