Being in this space of working to constantly try to advance and improve our lives, and the lives of those around us — loved ones, pure strangers, folks we’ll never meet — is so hard. And I understand why, in the face of complete injustices, it’s extremely reasonable to become exhausted and need to rest.

I want to say, whatever you’re feeling following this election news is absolutely reasonable. And if you barely made it through the day, or are just banking on, say, eating the most fried pickles you can tonight to dull the ache, that’s absolutely allowed.

Part of the process of moving forward can be watching every force imaginable beside us try to remain in the past. It’s so tiring and can absolutely and understandably seen as a very, very personal rejection when our very identities, safety, and health and wellbeing hinge upon our forward momentum, whether that is something as multifaceted as a transition or as simple as believing in proven scientific fact.

I’m so tired. The family I was raised in is largely comprised of folks whose political positions proudly align with hatred, misinformation, and terror. I have had to leave many folks in my past who continue to espouse views of fear or prejudice, or discriminate against folks who just want the freedom to live their life with a bit of comfort and joy.

Look to your small communities. Your chosen families, your friends and loved ones, your pets, your aptly-named discord servers, your supportive colleagues. These are people who choose to have you in their lives and take pleasure in knowing you. Look for your new connections, people who will gladly “get” you and would be excited to hear news about your passions or your life’s work and meaning.

I have such love for my clients and they got me through today. We laughed, we cried, we complained (a lot). We talked about politics, about safety planning, about family rejections. And we also talked about shrugging off shame, getting new oil pastels to create art with, and eating copious amounts of good food tonight.

You may not know it but while I was supporting you, you were supporting me. That truly means everything to me.

I feel overwhelming gladness that when we hang up the call, the loved ones in your life get your laughter, your frustrated texts, your memes and witty repartee. My heart is full when I think of you all. And I feel glad to remind you that just by your existence, the lives of those around you are made brighter.

Many people have asked, “What can I do?” There are so many helpers around us. I love the energy of wanting to help.

Right now, helping yourself can be enough. Focus on you, reach out for help, get into a blanket burrito. You can be nourishing that bright beacon you provide to your loved ones and peers. And that can mean everything to those folks — knowing there’s a small respite in the wake of this overarching system of oppression matters.

Thank you for existing.

That’s all we need to do for now. Just get through today. Then this week. We’ll go from there.