Plig Merced

Life feels so fast.

Yesterday, I dreaded today being Monday, but by my next blink, it will already be late into Friday.

In my interpretation, it would not be a fulfilling life to only wait and anticipate specific times like the weekend to find breaks and big moments. We must learn ways to integrate it into our everyday—it can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths in between meetings/classes/commutes to blocking time to do a body scan and journaling. Every intention counts!

We are learning this long process of slowing down together. It can be uncomfortable, but it is a necessary change to care for yourself in order to intentionally care for others and the world. 🪷

🥠 The fate and fortune of our communities lie in your hands 🥠

No, but seriously, pleaseee vote if you are an eligible voter; cast your ballot at your earliest convenience, too! Your vote matters more than ever! ❤️‍🔥

The world is so heavy—we are witnessing 🧊 empowered to rip families apart, crooked politicians passing policies to criminalize poverty, and our histories and relationships to the land being actively erased.

But keep your eyes open. Remember that oppressors want you to feel disempowered. Silence is forced because they are afraid of our collective presence.

Our ancestors and communities fought for us to exist, and it is our responsibility to the past, present, and future communities to resist and be reminded that the blooms we see today are were once seeds planted by our ancestors, the same way we are planting seeds for our kin.

Congratulations to one of our favorite organizers, , for being recognized as ’s Alumna Exemplar for Leadership in Service to Humanity!! 🌟

Gaonou shared in her speech how it feels full circle to receive this award as a community organizer. With a heart for community, she spoke on how it is critical for community to be rooted in care to shape a sustainably equitable world.

“We reject the narrative of operating on the nonprofit industrial complex—we are here to benefit the community built by the community and for the community. It should not take experiencing oppression to have the compassion to fight against it. This means no genocide, no war, and no ICE.” —Gaonou ❤️‍🔥