I think most of my friends can agree that 2016 has not been easy so far. We're halfway through and it seems like every time I turn around there's something new to be horrified by or sad about and I struggle to deal with my emotions.
Sometimes I just can't help but feel useless and sad. After seeing news about the RNC today and Trump's speech, I sat down to make art. This is how I handle my emotions in times of stress--through creation. I just finished The League of Seven book by Alan Gratz. It inspired me with a quote and an old native american legend.
“Fléctere si néqueo súperos
Acheronta movebo
(If I cannot move heaven, I will raise hell.)”
This has been stuck in my head ever since I read it.
The second thing the book reminded me of is a Cherokee legend I'd heard before but forgotten. Legend says that within each of us there are two wolves fighting. One of the wolves is angry, cruel, and heartless. The other wolf is kind, gentle, and caring. And the wolves are always fighting within us, battling for control. You know which wolf will win? The one you feed.
So, friends, please feed your good wolf. Face hatred and bigotry head on. If you have privilege, be an ally to those that need you to be. And if you can't move heaven, for fuck's sake, raise hell.