Dear BIPOC,

Hello, loves! Friendly Neighborhood Anna la Chicana here! I know I haven't written anything specifically for you yet, but here we are now!

Recently, all my articles have been calls to action or educational pieces. I figured y'all didn't need that from me though, because we're already educated on what's going on in the world right now (for some of us, it's right in y'all's faces). It's been so inspirational seeing everyone I know rising up and fighting for what they know is right. And even if the Twitter feed is slowly going back to normal, I know the movement is still going strong, and it's incredible to see.

That being said...the reason for this quick letter. How is everyone doing?

I have seen everyone being so strong and steadfast and while that has been amazing, I know how exhausting it is. So how are you, loves? Are you taking care of yourselves? I know we all want things to change as quickly as possible, but this will be a long process. So be sure to take time for yourself. But that sounds selfish, doesn't it? I mean, no matter how much I do, I always feel like I could be doing more. I never feel like I'm doing enough, and I feel like I can't take a break.

But you should take a break if you need it. It might not seem like you're doing a lot, but you are. One person alone can't change the world, but I know that each of you are doing so much. And that can take a toll on you. I know I tend to avoid confronting what makes me uncomfortable; and that's all I've been doing for the past few months. And let me tell you, I am tired. I just want things to change now so that I don't have to do this anymore. And that's normal. It's not hypocritical or selfish to feel like that. It's OK.

You are all so strong, but it's OK to take some time for yourself. Take a break from social media, stay home once in a while, take the time to take a breath. You'll do well if you listen to me, because I tend to take after my mother, and she is always right, which means that I'm also (almost) always right. So this is your reminder to take a break and look after you and only you for a bit. The movement isn't going away. Nothing will go horribly wrong if you take a break.

Just breathe, relax, and take the time to exist in silence for a moment. You are so strong, but that doesn't mean you have to be strong all the time. It is OK to take a break.

Stay safe and healthy, loves,

Anna La Chicana