Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of everything happening around us. The endless policies, executive orders, and appointments are designed to make us feel hopeless, to make us give up.
For a long time, I thought I had to keep up with everything, and when I couldn’t, I felt guilty. But I’ve learned something: I can’t fight every battle at once. And guilt doesn’t fuel movements. Love does.
What helps me is focusing on what I know I will never give up on: disability justice.
I’ve been a caregiver since I was a kid. My brother is two years younger than me and was diagnosed with autism at 2. He’s nonverbal, but he has his own words and signs for the things he needs and wants. He lives in a group home now, but every Sunday, we still come together as a family. We eat our mom’s cooking, we do puzzles, and we play Super Mario Bros.
These days, my family and I are protective of my brother’s image online, but here’s a photo from my 5th birthday, where I let him blow out my candles because 1) look at that joy and 2) he loves fire! (Don’t worry. He knows it’s only for candles and marshmallows.)
I know I’m lucky to have this weekly reset. Every Monday, I come back reaffirmed that love is far-reaching, because disability justice is interconnected with healthcare, immigration, racial equity, climate justice – because who gets left behind in a wildfire evacuation?
My love keeps me from feeling powerless. It moves me to act. Here’s how I stay engaged while avoiding burnout:
I can’t push back on everything, but I can do this one thing. And I trust that the ripples of love reach far and wide. My commitment to this work isn’t about righteous clout. It’s personal. It’s love. And that love keeps me grounded when everything else feels overwhelming.
Recently, I was inspired by a newsletter from our co-founder and artistic director, Steve Lambert, about The Ministry of Love. He reminded us that love, joy, and togetherness are not just emotions but strategies for survival and change. And while this approach isn’t for everyone, maybe it’s for someone. Maybe someone else will find this focus as grounding as I did.
Because even in the face of their “overflow strategy,” love will sustain us. And love will win.
But no matter how we each process the world, I hope we can all take a moment to acknowledge, appreciate, and feel gratitude for the love in our lives. The love that inspires our dedication and fuels our work.
So, I’m asking you:
How are you holding up?
What helps you stay focused?
What keeps you going?
Where is your love?
Let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
With care,
Blythe Kim
Communications Manager
Center for Artistic Activism
