Hi — I wanted to pause and ask: how are you holding up? The news has been heavy, and many of us are carrying a mix of sorrow, anger, and the urge to do something. For me, loneliness after a breakup in December collided with the steady stream of distressing headlines; a reader named Erin once suggested picturing our community each holding a teaspoon of sorrow so no one carries it alone. That image and my friend Lina’s offer—”give me your stress”—have stayed with me. If you want to hand over a little of your weight today, I will hold it for you. Consider answering a few small prompts below if you like: something you’re looking forward to, a worry on your mind, your favorite dessert, your hometown or a place that feels like home, and one thing you like about yourself.
Comforts that help: routines, treats, and simple levity
When big things feel out of control, small rituals can be surprisingly steadying. A hot cup of tea with a biscuit, a dog photo that makes you laugh, or flipping through a fun house tour can reset a frazzled afternoon. Readers’ pro tips—little life hacks shared in the comments—also do a lot to lift spirits. I’m grateful for this community of smart, funny people; leaning on one another matters. If you want a moment of levity, know that sharing and reading the ten funniest comments or a cute pet picture can be a brief, real balm. And if you’re able, come join the No Kings March on March 28th—collective presence can turn private frustration into public power.
Practical self-care: hair, accessories, and quick wins
Small, achievable styling solutions can feel like a tiny act of control. Chef and author Natasha Pickowicz, whose cookbook Everyone Hot Pot just came out, shares how she manages her long, thick hair in busy kitchens. She pulls the top section back into a small bun or half-ponytail and uses oversized accessories that are in proportion to her hair. Her go-to picks include giant floppy scrunchies (she names brands like Ganni), large claw clips, and XL bobby pins that actually hold thick strands. She also finds great, inexpensive pieces at Asian supermarkets and snack shops such as Daiso, H Mart, and Teso. A little ribbon worn as a charm—hers came from a friend named Maria—adds a personal, comforting touch.
Quick hair toolkit
For a simple, reliable kit: keep a few giant scrunchies, an oversized claw clip, several XL bobby pins, and one soft ribbon you can loop or tie. These items are easy to carry and swap between work and home. The practical promise here is that a small change—an accessory that matches your hair’s scale—can eliminate headaches from overly tight styles and make daily life more comfortable. Try one new accessory for a week and notice how a minor tweak can brighten a harried morning.
From worry to action: rebuilding collective power
The same sense of powerlessness that crushes private hope can also stall public protest. There are many reasons why opposition to the current war has not yet coalesced into a broad anti-war movement, including the fast pace of events and the way digital mobilization sometimes substitutes for deep organizing. Examples of successful local fightbacks—from Minnesota’s resistance to ICE to campus campaigns like Schools Drop ICE—show that winnable fights can scale. A hopeful strategy is to focus on tangible wins that teach people they can make a difference, then use those victories to recruit more people into sustained organizing.
Concrete steps you can take now
If you want to move from concern to contribution, here are immediate actions: attend the No Kings March on March 28th and the disruption events planned for May 1; reach out to neighbors, coworkers, and classmates to invite them along; and support coordinated campaigns like QuitGPT, a boycott pressured by concerns over military use of AI. According to organizers, over 4 million people have participated in QuitGPT so far. Small acts—person-to-person invites, explaining why military spending matters alongside everyday economic struggles, or joining an organized boycott—build the layers a movement needs.
Finally, thank you for being part of this community. I’m deeply grateful for your stories, your comments, and the small kindnesses we share. If you want to respond to those five prompts above, I’ll read every answer. We’ll hold each other’s burdens and celebrate small joys together. Sending love and a reminder that ordinary people acting together change history. xoxo
