The World is Burning - So, what can you do about it?

The World is Burning! 

Hello everyone! America is currently facing disturbing trends that remind us of Jim Crow, McCarthyism, the Lavender Scare, and the Red Scare. Comedians, journalists, and everyday citizens are losing their jobs simply for choosing not to mourn a bigot or engage in racist ideologies. 

So, what can you do about it?

1. **Build a community in your area.** - Find people who share your values and principles, and who believe in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution as inclusive documents for all people in America. I talk about this in a post called How to Survive 2025 and Beyond  https://www.heavyonfashion.com/2024/12/how-to-survive-2025-and-beyond.html

2. **Invest your time and energy in news that reflects your principles.** - Avoid news companies that acquiesce to dictatorship. If they do, it’s best not to give them your attention. Look into independent news and media companies. Remember, mainstream news does not necessarily mean it’s the best. Support your local newspapers; the real press is the voice of the people and the community. I updated a past post—check it out here: https://www.heavyonfashion.com/2025/01/support-black-journalism.html

3. **Engage in Quiet Activism and make permanent life changes.** - These are essential for surviving and thriving in the current climate of bigotry. We all need to be strategic about how we move, spend our time, money, and energy. Check out my past post https://www.heavyonfashion.com/2025/03/practicing-quiet-activism.html

4. **Preparation and planning are crucial.** - The current administration is rapidly advancing and completing Project 2025. I recommend having a solid offense and an even better defense for these plans. If you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready. Check out my blog post about planning: https://www.heavyonfashion.com/2025/08/planning-and-positivity-will-win-in-end.html

5. **Your Vision + Purpose = Happiness** - As a Black woman in my 40s trying to navigate life as a single mom in America, I often deal with the harsh reality of how society views my worth and what I bring to the table. After the 2024 elections, it became even clearer just how much I, and others like me, have to struggle in a world that often overlooks our voices and stories.

Given all this, I decided to focus on what really matters: my own well-being and that of my family. I’m not wearing the superhero cape or playing the martyr anymore. Instead, I'm all about creating happiness and freedom for myself, my son, and my community. I realize that taking care of myself first is what allows me to help my son grow and support the health and happiness of those around us. On this journey, I’m dedicated to building resilience, empowerment, and joy in our lives, knowing that when I take care of myself, it helps everyone in the end. I go into detail about vision and action in my post regarding Vision boards - https://www.heavyonfashion.com/2025/02/2025-vision-board-cleaning-house.html.

                 

6. **Self-care is the best Care** - Self-care for Black women is viewed as an essential and revolutionary act of self-preservation against unique societal pressures, going beyond simple pampering to encompass a holistic approach to well-being. Please take care of yourself. Do not let the chaos outside disrupt your peace. I am not saying not to be aware and prepared. What I am saying is to have you head on a swivel but not your mind.  Have a beauty day at least once a week. Play affirmation in the tub/shower. Treat yourself to a special meal or lunch. Your self-care day can encompass many things. Go out and do something for yourself, no matter the time. 

Make a self-care list that requires cash and some free options. I made my self-care routine on Canva. If you would like a copy for inspiration, please let me know. 

Here are a few resources on self-care for you!

1 - 35 Self-Care Tips -  https://www.dearblackwomenproject.com/todays-affirmation/self-care-tips

2 - Brown Girl Self Care - https://browngirlselfcare.com/

3 - Self Care for Black Women By: Oludara Adeeyo (Book) - https://amzn.to/43KDYb9

4 - Black Women's Yoga History: Memoirs of Inner Peace By: Stephanie Y. Evans (Book) -                     https://amzn.to/4hSGguZ

5 - All the Black Girls Are Activists: A Fourth Wave Womanist Pursuit of Dreams as Radical             Resistance By: EbonyJanice Moore (Book) - https://amzn.to/4hCC7en

6 - Self-Care for Black Men By: Jor-El Caraballo - https://amzn.to/4qzagQl

7 - Black Men Heal - Therapy Finder Website - https://blackmenheal.org/

8 - Black Male Therapists -Therapy Finder Website - https://searchblackmaletherapists.com/