Dear Future Self

This week’s conversations with friends revolved around what we can actively do as part of the resistance against the actions of Musk and PINO 47 (President in Name Only), as well as the frustrating inaction from Congress. It’s a difficult topic—each of us is doing what we can from where we are, yet there’s a persistent worry that it’s not enough. On top of self-doubt, there are voices—some from within our circles, some from outside—who argue that Americans aren’t doing enough or that we’re still playing too nice by not resorting to the same hostility as those enabling PINO 47.

After much discussion, we came to the conclusion that, in this moment, we can take action: we can speak up, show up at protests, and use social media as a platform for education and resistance. We can make phone calls, send emails, and amplify the voices of those being marginalized. We can create safe spaces for those who need to process and vent about what’s happening in Washington, D.C. When possible, we can financially support organizations fighting against the administration’s overreach and Musk’s illegal maneuvers. We can choose where we spend our money, refusing to support companies backing this administration. Most importantly, we can stay informed—because awareness is power, and collective action starts with knowledge. 

At the same time, we know this isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. Life doesn’t hit pause just because we’re in the fight. Sometimes, we have to step back and deal with what’s right in front of us—parents getting older, losing someone we love, welcoming a new baby. The ups and downs of life don’t stop for activism, and they shouldn’t have to. Resting isn’t giving up. Taking time to breathe, to take care of ourselves, to heal—that’s what keeps us going. Burnout only helps the people hoping we’ll quit. So we do what we can, when we can. And when we need to step back, we do—so we can come back stronger and ready to fight another day.

Kudos to my friend Nancy who sent a card addressed to Pino 47 and Musk that read: "Just a note to say ... I thought of you today!" Then she handwrote: "And all thoughts were negative!" It made her feel better to mail it off. Nancy is also sending emails and making calls to politicians. 

Meanwhile, I am pondering why PINO 47 has banned the book "Freckleface Strawberry" from schools operated by the Department of Defense.

The official synopsis for “Freckleface Strawberry” reads: “If you have freckles, you can try these things: 1) Make them go away. Unless scrubbing doesn’t work. 2) Cover them up. Unless your mom yells at you for using a marker. 3) Disappear. Um, where’d you go? Oh, there you are. There’s one other thing you can do: 4) LIVE WITH THEM! Because after all, the things that make you different also make you, YOU. From acclaimed actress Julianne Moore and award-winning illustrator LeUyen Pham comes a delightful story of a little girl who’s different … just like everybody else.” [https://variety.com/2025/film/news/julianne-moore-donald-trump-bans-book-freckleface-strawberry-1236310153/]