The first elections and the first 100 days of the current administration were a drop in troubles for myself and so many others who try to give meaning to all of this. For the first time, I did not feel my whole self, naturally relaxed (and uniform). As a rule, I am able to separate the stressors from the invasion of my personal peace. I am very proud of this skill personally and professionally because – as a clinical social worker – it is an incredible tool to have in my back pocket. Especially when a customer or an outpatient student goes through the worst that anxiety or depression launches him. I was looking for ways to regain balance, or at least quite close. Here’s how I sculpt this path to recover my peace.
- Lean about the struggle for collective liberation
On the last day of a recent school trip to Alabama as a chaperon for our 8th year class and their deep dive in the movement of civil rights, I was the adult advisor of our non -black students of the colored affinity space. Several students of the group spoke of not seeing the reflections of themselves in their history books or have largely discussed in the media. Some have even noted that it is perhaps because the figures of the population to justify it are simply not there. I was surprised to see how much they thought about our conversation and of course – as a social worker and major double in American Asian studies and anthropologies – I felt forced to help them think of things in a different way. I gave my students a sweet challenge – “Just because you can’t see our stories in history books that they don’t exist.” And I shared some examples such as Yuri Kochiyama and his friendship with Malcolm X And The Third World Liberation Front and the struggle for ethnic studies.
While I shared this space with my students, I started to accept that I cannot control chaos and terror that this administration unleashes. What me can do is to work with my students, my colleagues and my community outside of work (AanhpiPhilippine Americans, artists, musicians, Alliance of Asian educators,, Aielocetc.) and draw from the formation of the basis of social justice activism, I have learned since my first cycle days at the UCLA. This work is in my DNA and there is never a bad time to act.
When I went back to school after the trip, our adult community explained how administration initiatives can have an impact on our community. Given our location at DC coupled with our mission focused on social justice, the actions of this administration affect my school community on many fronts. I shared with my colleagues what our students and I talked to alabama about representation and the desire to see themselves in their learning. I also said that I needed their help to make sure that members of our community do not feel invisible or unknown despite everything that is happening. I felt that emotions were showing up and I never felt so determined for almost 20 years as an educator. It is a call not only to my fellows in color in the room, but to everyone because Collective liberation is for everyone.
2. Remain informed in reasonable thrusts through activists, peers, humor and unwind
At the start, I made the mistake of click on each title (blood curling) and I realized that it was not good for my mental health. Since then, I have turned to resources that can help give meaning to all of this and / or to provide advice on how to take care of me. This includes people / organizations like YK Hong,, Aclu,, Raeshonda lias,, The brown psyche,, Americans of Asian origin forward justiceAnd countless friends / peers on Bluesky or LinkedIn who do hard and freedom work.
I also found that the laughter and the empowerment of the community were an excellent medication. Washingtonian problemsMy friend / actress Diana Reyes,, Philippins in the 6ixAnd the most recent SNL’s 50th anniversary celebration shows have provided dopamine on the darkest days. Again, not an exhaustive list, but examples of the place where I found lively lights.
3. Find joy in and outside work and take the time to rest
Friday evening, when I returned to DC in Alabama, I jumped in my grateful bed for the cancellations of Saturday morning of my ambulatory clients in Tetherapy. 4 consecutive days of 13 hours a day, students making efforts on the history of civil rights and the last ended with a 1.5 hour flight period when they return to DC Due to new rules where no plane can fly while the president’s helicopter is in the air. Fatigue is an understatement. I spent the recovery weekend catching up sleep, not checking the work emails and spending time with my husband and my dog. I returned to work on Monday still tired, but with my very clear mind on what I wanted to share and in which I dive.
In the past year, I rekindled my love for the DJ. My recent concerts were where I felt the most free; Starting with the news and delighted to bind to others on music. He also offered me opportunities to expand my community thanks to events organized by organizations such as Samasama. Participating in community celebrations, attending parties or playing for others provided an anchor well necessary at times when I felt without attaching.
4. Conclusion – The long term
He can take years to agencies and politicians to bounce back from the “breakdown” of this administration. It is certainly not only what is happening right now, but also of the future and to anticipate what the future has in store for us. To this end, I will continue to work in solidarity with others to guarantee that the communities that I belong to have the information and resources they need to survive and prosper. In addition, I will take care of myself and find peace and joy in the people and things that interest me the most. I will not allow tyranny and hatred to devalue who I am. And I will continue to remind others to do the same.
๐ #MR_HEKA ๐
