I’m sure I’m not the only one here who struggles with posting anything ‘exciting’ or ‘happy’ or ‘helpful’ with everything that’s been happening. Hell, posting pictures of your meal feels insensitive.
I’m also sure I’m not alone in hoping that maybe, just maybe, 2026 could have looked a bit fresher, a bit cleaner, maybe entered in with a little slice of light that we can move toward. It’s only been ten days, and I’m tired.
I just wanted to get on here to say I don’t have any words of wisdom. I’m just trying to get through every day like the rest of us. Once again, trying to embrace the liminal—where my everyday life (so far, and gratefully) is going as usual—with some very fun and promising things going on—yet everything is imploding around me. For those who don’t know, I’m in Minneapolis. I spent many younger, formative years in the Uptown area and couldn’t wait to get back here from the ‘burbs. I returned to my old stomping ground right before COVID and the George Floyd unaliving. I’ve grieved lives, local businesses, and that forever-gone sense of safety and general well-being. I used to frolic in these streets—now I shuffle warily, trying not to slip on Ice.
Things change, of course. Nothing can ever stay the same, and I don’t need it to. But I never thought that— SO MANY OF US— would get so far from basic human decency.
Yes, those of us with light-colored skin have had the privilege of never truly understanding this kind of violence and all-out hatred. Coming to that understanding deepens the feeling of helplessness and disgust with our society. As a Gen-Xer, I was never taught the truth, and I’m the first to admit, I never took the time to learn. I just accepted and thought most people were kind-hearted, blind to what our country has always been under the plastic, shiny surface.
It’s a lot to take in. Everything.
All this is to say, I’m not on here to say, “think positive.” I’m here to say, as a Maverick, embrace everything you’re feeling. Be mad. Be angry. Be filled with sorrow. Be fine one minute and a blubbering mess the next. Be excited that something wonderful is happening for you. Live. Be. Because apparently, even Being is a privilege right now. Do what you can to help others and yourself.
My heart is with you.
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