As I welcomed my daughter into the world in early November, I was completely unprepared for the whirlwind of emotions that came with the recent election and the inauguration of the new president. Those first weeks of maternity leave were a delicate balance between wanting to stay informed about current events and needing to protect my mental health and cherish these fleeting moments with my newborn. It was like witnessing a train wreck—I couldn’t look away, even though I desperately wanted to. The turmoil of the election was not just impacting me; it was evident in my social circles as well. Anxiety, fear, and sadness were rampant.
I felt the weight of my friends’ despair and knew I had to take measures to safeguard my mental health, especially since I was already navigating the challenges of postpartum emotions. Many of my friends decided to step back from social media, seeking refuge from the chaos. I contemplated doing the same to focus on my baby and avoid the anxiety that arose with every news update or controversial tweet. But there was a reason I didn’t hit that “log off” button.
One question kept echoing through my mind, particularly among the women I knew: “What can I do?” With the election concluded, it felt as though our fate was sealed for the next four years, leading to a sense of helplessness. However, as I pondered leaving social media, I realized that I couldn’t turn away from the beauty that existed within it. The people I respect and admire were already making a difference.
I decided to answer that question: “Keep doing what you’re already doing.” This was not a time to retreat but rather to persist. Every time I logged into my social media accounts, I witnessed friends engaged in remarkable work. There was my former college buddy, now an architect, designing schools in Haiti. Another friend, a fierce advocate for her transgender child, consistently speaks out for equality. And my cousin who has established a group in New Haven, Connecticut, teaching English to Syrian refugees, welcoming them into the community. I can’t forget my colleague who is a devoted hospice nurse, sharing her heartfelt insights about the vital work of caring for those nearing the end of their lives. These individuals inspire me daily.
Beyond the significant efforts toward social justice, there’s a wealth of joy in seeing friends share life’s precious moments—their babies’ milestones, the simple yet profound experiences of parenting. That’s why I chose to stay connected. The motivation I draw from those around me, who engage in both radical and everyday acts of kindness, is what fuels my hope for a better world, even in the face of adversity.
These people acknowledge vital issues like systemic racism and support movements like Black Lives Matter. They are allies, not adversaries, and I refuse to distance myself from them, whether online or in real life.
As women, we thought we were on the brink of a new era, anticipating the breaking of the glass ceiling. Instead, many of us faced a shattering of our sense of security and trust in governance to uphold our rights. Yet, we will persevere. We are fighters at heart, and our everyday efforts matter. So, the next time you consider stepping back from social media, think about sharing more. Stay engaged and share your journey. I crave more beauty, connection, and inspiration from the people who motivate me to keep fighting for humanity, one post at a time.
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In summary, social media isn’t just a platform for sharing; it’s a vital space for connection, inspiration, and activism. By staying engaged, we surround ourselves with positivity and support, enabling us to combat the negativity that can sometimes overwhelm us.