Joy is an act of resistance.

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it's no secret that this last month has brought about deep-seeded fear, anger, anxiety, stress, trauma and grief. The news cycle circulates all the bad we were afraid of, reminding us of what we had hoped for and all that may vanish in an instant. We feel as though we've lost all sense of control and power. And there really is no positive statement that can fix the deep emotions we are all feeling.

I want to share a very impactful poem that has been on my heart for years:

In a time of hate
Love is an act of resistance
In a time of fear
Faith is an act of resistance
In a time of misinformation
Education is an act of resistance
In a time of poor leadership
Community is an act of resistance

In a time like this
Joy is an act of resistance

Resist. Resist. Resist.

- Loryn Brantz

How true it is that JOY is an act of resistance. The way we lose our power and our control is by giving into the fear and losing our sense of self and purpose. Instead, if we live boldly and authentically as our true selves and support all of those in our community as they too live boldly and authentically as themselves, we then regain our power and our control. Joy can mean so many different things, and that is on you to decide what JOY means for you. 

But what joy does not mean is ignoring what is happening. Joy is how we regain our sense of self in order to continue the fight. This is a marathon, not a sprint. And there are so many things you can do to resist. Call your representatives, speak to those in your circle (no matter how tough that may be), be a part of your community, be thoughtful where you are making purchases (support small businesses!), remind all of those you interact with that they are human and important and loved. CHANGE IS POSSIBLE - I believe that with every fiber of my being. But change is not possible unless you do the work yourself first, and you choose to show up. Change happens with each small, purposeful, thoughtful, impactful choice you make every day within your community. Then, watch the ripples as they flow. 

Sending you JOY - may we all make thoughtful, impactful choices this month.

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In honor of Women's History Month, we will give 20% of this month's proceeds to the Center for Reproductive Rights.

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The Center for Reproductive Rights is a global human rights organization of attorneys and advocates working to ensure reproductive rights are protected in law as fundamental human rights for the dignity, equality, health, and well-being of every person.


Since its founding in 1992, the Center’s game-changing litigation, legal policy, and advocacy work—combined with unparalleled expertise in constitutional, international, and comparative human rights law—has transformed how reproductive rights are understood by courts, governments, and human rights bodies.
Through their work across five continents, they have played a critical role in securing legal victories before national courts, United Nations Committees, and regional human rights bodies on reproductive rights issues including access to life-saving obstetrics care, contraception, maternal health, and safe abortion services, as well as the prevention of forced sterilization and child marriage.

Their mission: to use the power of law to advance reproductive rights as fundamental human rights around the world.


Their vision: a world where every person participates with dignity as an equal member of society, regardless of gender; where every woman is free to decide whether or when to have children and whether to get married; where access to quality reproductive health care is guaranteed; and where every woman can make these decisions free from coercion or discrimination.

Because of the Center’s work, over the past two years, 2.3 billion more people are living under stronger legal protections for reproductive rights.

Some of their achievements include: 1) won groundbreaking cases before national courts, UN committees, and regional human rights bodies, 2) participated in every major U.S. Supreme Court abortion case since their founding and 3) strengthened reproductive laws and policies in more than 65 countries across five continents.

To learn more about their essential work, please visit their website: https://reproductiverights.org/

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