Unlike other movements for social change that require joining organizations and attending meetings, we can begin the process of making community wherever we are. We can begin by sharing a smile, a warm greeting, a bit of conversation; by doing a kind deed or by acknowledging kindness offered us. - bell hooks

I have been feeling overwhelmed lately. Overwhelmed with demands of being a daughter to aging parents, a parent to a college student in a demanding study program, a parent to a teen with mental health struggles, a partner and wife, and most important to me… art.

It feels like there are all these different sections of my life, all which need to be assessed. Somehow in that, I need a vision for the year, clarity on my why, and a deep desire to recognize my communities and strengthen them.

I accomplished a lot last year. I don’t know if I want to do the same thing this year. Last year, I made two huge costumes for parades. This year, I am just not feeling it. But I do have a desire to see people, and to have intense times of joy.

I am also learning… slowly… that joy is the resistence we need to get through this time as a US citizen. The people and communities I admire, they sing, they dress up, they bring joy as a fuel for their fight.

A dear friend reminded me this morning that we as citizens, as people who identify as Americans are going through a reevaluating of what we were told our country was, and how it actually works.

Being American is part of my identity. My parents remained citizens of their birth country, and my sister moved back. I do not identify with being Dutch. Interesting how I am just now learning that the first slave ships to this land flew the Dutch flag.

I am reading bell hooks “all about LOVE”. I am doing it slowly and with my antriracism group. The quote above stopped me. Maybe the phone calls, the protests, the organizing is important. Joy will be our fuel. What if it really, really starts with a kind word, a warm smile as we go about our day?