Keep Moving Forward

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl. But, whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward,” is a quote by the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and it stands true now more than ever.

It feels like every second there’s a new headline on my phone reporting another devastating tragedy that leaves me in shock and despair. In those moments there’s nothing I want to do more than crawl into bed and grieve every horrible event happening. It would be less painful that way. It would be easier that way. It would also be giving up. 

The oppressors of the world are hoping that all of us give up. They hope that when we read a headline, we become so fearful we don’t resist them. They’re hoping we become so devastated we become numb. But it’s crucial that we don’t. It’s important that we continue to move forward with that resistance and humanity.

And moving forward doesn’t have to be extreme. It doesn’t have to be protesting everyday- although it can. It doesn’t have to be calling, sending letters to, and emailing your representatives- although it can. It doesn’t have to be boycotting companies and brands that go against what you stand for- although it can. It doesn’t have to be reposting and uplifting voices who are experiencing hardships- although it can. It doesn’t have to be reading the news and being as educated as possible on the topic- although it can. Sometimes it’s simply getting out of bed, taking care of your community, listening to survivors, being there for those who need a safe space, and keeping your humanity despite all the hatred in the world. Sometimes it’s still keeping hope, no matter how small and that in itself is some of the strongest resistance. 

So even if you can’t fly today, I hope you continue to move forward for tomorrow.

Love, Ariana