Three Small Things

 

When my life got really dark a little while back (as opposed to the entire fucking world being dark like it is now), I struggled to find a way through (out seemed absolutely impossible). 

Every kind of recommended self-care and whatnot seemed impossible. A lot of them were actually impossible at the time. But I knew I couldn't continue the way I was. 

So, I started with three small things. Every night before bed, I thought of three small moments during the day that had been less dark, or maybe even light. And I expressed gratitude for them. 

Sometimes, it was really hard to find the moments. And other times, it was hard to have gratitude when so many other moments in my day had been freaking terrible. 

But I kept going, and somehow noticing the moments helped me make more of them. And the more gratitude I expressed, the easier it was to be grateful for small things. 

Now, my list usually goes on until I fall asleep. My personal life is much less dark for many reasons, but the biggest one is this habit. 

One of the strategies I used to continue this habit on even the worst days was to remember a piece of art that I had enjoyed that day - a song, a painting, a funny meme, a movie, a perfectly edited Real Housewives moment. 

But now it feels a bit like we're all collectively in our worst days as our country descends into fascism and corruption and aimless war. And while I absolutely advocate voting and calling and protesting as much as you can, I also think joy is a valid form of resistance. 

The closest thing I've ever gotten to public art is my blog. So I'm posting again. Here and on Facebook. 

All of which is to say, I'm back, bitches. 

And I'd love to know what three small things are getting you through the downfall of the United States.