Hello Lovely People.

With the recent killings of Terrence Crutcher and Keith Lamont Scott by the hands of police officers and the many other police killings caught on camera, social media and the general climate has been pretty intense. Add that to the political debates and day to day pressures, the air is pretty thick and anxiety isn't uncommon. I want to remind people, especially people of color, to take care of themselves.

1) YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WATCH VIDEOS OF OTHER HUMAN BEINGS BEING GUNNED DOWN!

It is a draining process to have to watch the death of men and women that look like you. You do not have to accept it as daily occurrence. You do not have to watch the videos. I am not saying don't watch them. I am saying you do not have to. This can have a profound e ffect on your mental and emotional health.

2) YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUBJECT YOURSELF TO THE DREADED COMMENTS SECTION OF MANY OF THESE POST FROM RACIST, IGNORANT INDIVIDUALS.

Many of the comments under the videos can be heartless and hurtful. Many people genuinely don't understand and others will make excuses after excuses for the manner in which someone was attacked or killed. We are not afforded sympathy and the benefit of the doubt. No longer do you have to subject yourself to hatred.

3) YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN FEELING DEFEATED, RESTLESS, HOPELESS.

There are many people who feel defeated, hopeless and drained at what is happening in the state of the world today. The task of speaking out and expressing your feelings and thoughts can be daunting. It can also be isolating, especially on social media and in our personal lives. Know that you are not alone in this and that people share these feelings too. I encourage you to speak about your feelings and express your thoughts in a way that is safe for you and effective for your well being.

4) KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT!

Things wont change overnight. However, there is a fire within many of us that wont be extinguished until we seek results that we want. I encourage you all to continue to fight for what you feel is right. Whether that is through your education, whether it is through volunteering, voting, creating websites and open spaces for dialogue, etc. And please lets not forget about the young impressionable minds that are witnessing and feeling the pressure and anxiety that we adults are sometimes able to express. Check in with each other.

5) Unplug if you have to. Go on a social media hiatus. Check out a movie, paint your nails, go for a run, treat yourself, dress up though on the inside you may feel like crap. Talk to yourself. Pray. Make love. Write. Draw. Paint. Make music. Do this, not as a distraction but do what makes you feel good, what feeds your soul and heart.

6) A SEAT AT THE TABLE- SOLANGE!

If. You. Have. Not. Listened. To. This. Album.

Do. Your.

Mind. Body. &. Spirit.

a favor.

This is true self care and an exploration and declaration of self love through the midst of the storm.

Thank you, Solange.

- Lada.