How are you?

Being Maverick in these trying times

Hi, Friends.

Today in Minneapolis, the skies are blue, and the temperature is a balmy 30 degrees.

A breeze tickles the tree branches, and I hear the comforting sound of an occasional car sloosh by in the melting snow. All seems calm, and I’m feeling a bit of respite.

But it is not calm.

If I hop on social media, I’ll see videos of people on so many other streets in the surrounding areas, reporting locations where ICE is still out in full force, abducting and assaulting people. The news does not cover just how bad it is; they may have shipped out a number of agents, but the number remaining is still in the thousands, and their behavior has not changed.

I think many who don’t live here don’t understand that this isn’t an occasional thing. All of us are on the lookout, every day, every hour, every minute. It’s mentally exhausting, and many of us struggle to focus or find the motivation to do anything.

I just sit around thinking, how can we all just be living life as normal, especially now, when we are all becoming aware of just how depraved and disgusting our so-called ‘leaders’ are?

Being Maverick

I’m starting to think about how timely it is that I’ve changed the focus of this newsletter to embracing this mindset. Sure, Mavericks are the ones who are literally out in the streets, the same streets where two of their neighbors were recently shot dead for peacefully witnessing, doing the exact same thing.

On the walls of a building in my neighborhood.

But physically rebelling against what is happening isn’t the only way you can contribute and feel your power. If you are finding it especially hard to feel strong these days, you are not alone.

• Find a way to help. Not many of us can be on the front lines, but there are always other ways to give of your time, funds, and talents. Try to remember that this is an ongoing thing and won’t just go away anytime soon. The need is HUGE, and it is spreading outside of Minneapolis. If it feels overwhelming, pick ONE cause you feel especially strong about, and explore different ways you can help.

• Resting is resistance. Personally, I’ve been napping a lot lately. I have the luxury to be able to, certainly, but I also don’t feel guilty about it. My brain gets foggy, and my body literally starts to shut down when I’m absorbing so much negative energy. Sometimes I need to just make it all go away. Sleep isn’t the only way—make it your TASK to walk away from your computer and read a comforting or engrossing book for 15 minutes every day. Use the time to listen to music. Take a walk. Play mind-numbing video games. Write in a journal. Obviously, if these kinds of activities are taking up your entire day, that’s not helpful or healthy. But it’s a way to recharge. Our batteries are on overdrive right now, and nothing is wrong with you if you are feeling depleted.

• Ask for help. Many of us need to process alone, but it’s also important to find like-minded souls to rant with. Yes, you are preaching to the choir and saying the same things over and over, but it is like letting pus out of a wound to say your feelings out loud. We all have days when we can barely function, but if you feel you can’t snap out of the darkness, please seek a professional. Therapy is so important, as it gives you the tools to help you wade through the quagmire.

• Educate yourself. Many of you on this Maverick path are probably realizing that what is happening now is nothing new for SO MANY of us. I’m here admitting that has been me, and it makes me feel horrible. When you realize you were never taught the real history, it’s time to learn it. Knowledge is power. I truly believe it’s no coincidence that as so many of us become smarter and more enlightened, the weak ones who feel threatened by that are acting out in a last-ditch effort to silence us. Although painful, it feels good to learn the truth. It feels even better to live it.

• Speak up. Don’t underestimate the power you have when you speak up. If someone asks you how you are, don’t just answer with the trite, “Oh, fine.” TELL THEM. “Honestly, I’m having a really hard time today with everything that’s going on.” It helps others understand why you may not be on your game, and the conversation that follows that answer could be a chance to enlighten someone who doesn’t understand what is truly happening and how bad it is.

• Speak out. Make a point to reach out to friends and family who may not be getting the real news. (Which is kind of anyone outside of an affected area right now.) You’d be amazed at how many are not getting the facts. Just ask, “Hey, are you hearing about just how bad things are in ________(area) right now? This is what’s happening…” I have a rare true-blue relative in the deep south who told me that the news changes there all the time. Things are blatantly not being covered for fear of retaliation, or worse.

• Reach out. This isn’t a plea for pity, but I’m amazed by how few people have reached out to ask how I am. Many friends say the same thing. Having someone ask means a lot.

• Keep showing up. Make your art, write your stories, do things that make you happy and feel joyful. Don’t let them take that away from you, too.

Take care of yourselves out there, and remember, you are a Maverick. Use those skills. But also…how are YOU feeling? Please comment, I’d like to know.