Today is a Great Day (to be Sad)

Today Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, and you are correct if you’ve identified the inauguration’s vibe as being like that scene in Titanic where Captain Smith says, “I believe you may get your headlines, Mr. Ismay.”

Everything feels terrible. Everyone is sad and scared. I know we are going to fight and keep fighting and refuse to take anything Trump says or does without clapping back, but this day feels like one of mourning. It feels like one of action too, obviously, but there’s also that smothering sadness that comes with knowing one of the worst human beings on the planet is going to assume power and influence not just his own country but the world entire.

And it sucks. It sucks a lot. It is shitty and it’s the worst and Jesus Christ, Kellyanne Conway is dressed like a Civil War re-enactor. Trump supporters are getting interviewed on CNN and Mike Pence is homophobic beyond all reason but here he is anyway and this is all allowed to happen and it’s a lot, you guys. It is a lot. (Too much.)

So look: this is a reminder that if you need to take a second to recollect yourself and to breathe and to drink some water, that is fine. You are not less of a tough motherfucker just because you need to do what it takes to survive. Anxiety and panic attacks don’t help anybody, especially you. If you need to turn off the TV for a second, that’s okay. If you need to log off, go for it. If you’re at a protest and you hit a point where you’re like, “I need to get out of here I’m about to freak the fuck out” that’s fine, too. (Some people can’t do crowds! That doesn’t make you weak or complacent!) This shit is a marathon, not a sprint. If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll have zero energy left for like, tomorrow. You can pace yourself and still make a difference. For real.

So there you go. I know I’m just a broad on the internet, but I am telling you that you will get through this not just because you do not have a choice (the pep talk I give myself constantly), and you will only get through it if you listen to yourself and your gut and your brain. Remember that you have gifts you can use and will use and someone’s choice to make signs and march can be the equivalent of your choice to donating to Planned Parenthood or volunteering or learning and listening or even just telling somebody, “No, you’re wrong and here is why.” This is going to be a long fucking four years. But you’re up for it. We’re all up for it. So bring it the fuck on.

And remember to please, please, please try and get some sleep sometimes if you can.