Right now, like many other people in this country, you may be scared. You may be angry. Sad. Disappointed. Some kind of emotional smoothie, or you might feel almost nothing. Maybe you don’t even know how you feel. All of those reactions are fair, because this is a scary and hard time for many. Things are changing quickly, and not necessarily for the better-immigration crackdown and deportation, trans rights being rolled back, DEI initiatives being erased, federal jobs up in the air, and a government testing the limits of the Constitution. Right now, it might feel like people in power don’t want anyone different from them to succeed.

This is an undeniably difficult time, and a lot of people are struggling. So I have some advice. You don’t have to be at your best right now. There’s no need to feel guilty for not being at the top of your game, for not feeling constantly upbeat, for being frustrated.

You don’t need to be seizing every day right now. Just being here is doing something. Just your presence. Out of spite, love, anger, hope, or faith we will make it through this time. Together. It’s vital that we band together, create communities, and uplift each other, especially when we feel unwanted.

That’s all well and good, you might say, but where is one supposed to just FIND a community? Not everyone has those connections, you know. It’s far easier said than done. And to that I would say, that’s true. You’re absolutely right, it’s easier to say “find people” than to actually explain how. So here’s how. 

One of the most important things to remember is that community can be anything. Online communities, mutuals, group chats, places to scream into the void or comfort someone else. Places like community centers, and religious or no-religious churches or other places of worship. Connecting with people in groups or one on one. 

Neighbors. Friends. Clubs. Teams. Art classes or community gardens or Nature Centers. So many people want community, and if you create or find a place for it you may be surprised. There are more safe spaces and good people than you may think.

There are people like you, whatever that means. and people who aren’t like you but will help anyways. And knowing you’re not alone makes a difference so massive it’s hard to overstate.

So seek out people who you want to be around or relate to. At this school, for example, there are diversity and community focused clubs, like ability and disability group, pride club, the GSA, and sister circle. There are also numerous hobby focused clubs that can provide a good way to cope, relax, and make friends.

If you need a distraction, a constructive outlet, or just a break, try making something, or going outside, or reading that book you’ve been meaning to. 

Or reach out to someone you know. Seriously, it’ll make a difference to both of you. Text someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Let someone know you care. Tell your friends they matter to you. Remember to be nice to yourself as well. If it feels like no one else will, you might as well show yourself and the people you care about some compassion.

Find something to care a lot about. Essentially a “yeah, maybe things are kind of a dumpster fire at the moment, but look what I crocheted” mindset. At least for a little while, cope by crafting, cope with shows and books and movies, cope with screaming into a pillow.

In the short-term, escapism is okay. Whatever you do, and however you cope, as long as you’re not hurting anybody, it’s alright.

However, there will come a point where you have to do something. Community service projects. A flag. A protest. A support group.

Not letting yourself be silenced is deeply important. And I can guarantee, if you are scared and hurt and angry doing something to make the situation better will help you feel better as well.

Speak up for yourself and your communities, advocate for who you want to see leading, disrupt the unjust and fuel care and community.

We are all going to be okay. How? Together.