Find Joy in the Little Things

Existence Through Resistance

Let's be real, the current state of the US is concerning for the future of queer rights, specifically for our trans siblings, and with regard to marriage equality. As many of us question the future access of Gender Affirming Care and Obergefell, it's hard not to get swept up in feelings of disillusion and sadness. Those feeling are so very valid! And also, our ability to cope with stress and the fear is greatly increased through taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.

Existing as our authentic selves can feel daunting, but there are really simple tangible ways we can build community and resist at the same time. Here are some ideas:

1. Read queer authored books. Book Riot (bookriot.com) has a list of 100 Must Read Books authored by queer folks.
2. Buy queer created art. Search your city/town for queer artists. Support your local community, and if that's not possible, there is a lot of queer art to be found online.
3. Eat at queer owned establishments. If you don't know where they are, you can always use everywhereisqueer.com and look it up. There are over 17,000 businesses listed on their app, and it is growing every day.
4. Hire queer folks to build your website, design your logo, clean your house, fix your car - anything and everything you can do to support queer folks by doing the things you already do.

Supporting queer folks will not only feel fantastic, but it will also help stabilize our community by generating livable wages and incomes. When we are more stable financially, the other facets of navigating stress become more manageable.

Now that you've supported your community, it's time to support yourself. Here are some really great grounding self-care ideas:

1. Take a nap without an alarm (say what?!?) Yes! What would it feel like to just allow your body to recuperate without setting a time limit?
2. Sew, quilt, crochet, whittle, woodwork…Engage your hands. Create a mind/body connection what lifts you up and fulfills you.
3. Sit somewhere in nature. Let the fresh air, trees, animals and noises infiltrate your senses. Breathe deeply.
4. Make yourself delicious food. We all have emotional connections to food. Allow yourself to savor something that is your comfort food and that brings back good memories. Release the serotonin!
5. Dance. Music and movement is so restorative. Not only do you get your body moving, but music also releases Endorphins which create a happy emotional state, Immunoglobulin A which is a cell that seeks and attacks viruses and other threatening agents inside the body. Music also decreases our stress hormone cortisol.
6. Laugh. Laughter is indeed the best medicine. Laughter boosts your immune system, improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, and releases endorphins.

Existing in a place of joy is the greatest act of resistance we can accomplish. you are seen. You are heard. You are loved.