by Marisol Enriquez, Chair, DPBC
Good morning, and Happy 2025 to you, Bernalillo County!
We’re back after a much needed break, and we hope that you’ve spent this time taking time with your loved ones like we have. We’re happy to be back!
Something I remember my father telling me once in my youth was “all of this has been done before, hita, all of it.” I didn’t understand that at the time, but as I’ve gathered life experiences, it’s become more and more clear.
The threat of authoritarianism that our new presidential administration is offering is simply that: an offer. And it’s not new.
History has shown us that the offer of authoritarianism is a choice that we can decide to accept or turn down. There hasn’t been a democratic country yet that hasn’t faced a threat of facism or authoritarianism. Many have overcome, and thrived, and we can, too.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll share strategies you can use to keep yourself bolstered and fortified for the fight ahead, especially as New Mexico’s beautiful blue color is already the target of the far right.
Here are two strategies you can begin with:
- Process your feelings.
If you haven’t done so yet, do. After the November election, some of us chose to turn off all the news, and some of us chose to consume more so that they feel prepared. The key is to find some place in between: balance.
Take time to acknowledge any feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, worry, apathy, etc. If you do not take that time, your body will live in a constant state of fatigue due to high stress levels, and you will experience burnout. This is an error that the Trump administration will rely on.
So, consume news, but not too much of the nonsense. Look for impartial and community sourced news from networks like NPR or PBS, and pull your focus to local events, rather than national. - Find others you trust.
This is a time to lean into your community. Make coffee or tea dates with loved ones, and learn what they’ve been up to. Reach out to the neighbor you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Call the friend from your hometown who’s been on your mind, and plan to spend some time chatting with them.
Re-invigorating relationships will help remind you of what’s real and important to you. They will be the reason you find strength when you need to, and remember that you have a community with us.
Yes, all of this has been done before, around the world, and if we can learn strategies of survival and even joy and hope during such a worrisome time ahead, then we’ve successfully learned from the past. Isn’t that what the study of history is all about? How to use it to be better? I think so.
Speaking of history, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the passing of a great leader in our country, who dedicated his life to the betterment of the communities to which he belonged throughout his entire 100 years. His life was a demonstration of hope, resistance to threat, and what can be accomplished when we work together.
Rest in peace to former President, Jimmy Carter.
So, strength, solidarity, and hope to you for 2025. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Marisol Enriquez
Chair, DPBC
