It's Time to Rally the Militia

It has happened... what we held hope would not occur is now our reality and many of us are feeling it deeply. It hurts to see family members and friends celebrating the acquiring of power by someone so committed to spreading hate and division. Someone who has abused and degraded women. Mocked those differently abled. Spread harmful lies about our friends of different cultural backgrounds.

It's okay to give yourself a moment to grieve. Cry, scream, punch a pillow, vent to a trusted friend. Allow yourself to feel your feels, the sadness, the disbelief, the frustration, the disappointment.

Just don't stay there.

Move it through. Go for a walk in the woods. Breathe deeply with your hand on your heart. Dance to uplifting music. Stretch and release the tension from your body.

Because friend, it's now time to rally the militia.

From the collection of kind-hearted citizens who will no longer tolerate the kind behavior too many have praised, we rise.

Now I'm not talking about groups armed with guns or weapons of violence and destruction... what I'm talking about is far more powerful.

Within our country, our states, and our communities are strong and capable individuals armed with love. Instead of hands tightly grasping weapons of fear, they are welcoming those who've been discriminated against with open arms. Instead of using unkind words to make themselves feel superior to another group of people, they are using their words to form connection and understanding about life experiences they've not journeyed. Instead of raising their children to believe they should fear or put down those who differ from themselves, they are raising a generation with a morality routed in community and kindness.

Unfortunately, when a "leader" exemplifies violence on such a big platform, they are also making it easier for anyone looking up to them to excuse the violence within themselves. It may be quiet, barely noticeable even. And if it is a radical act to move forward with empathy for one another, then radical we shall be.

And so I call to you, it's time to rally the militia.

As they aim to eradicate a women's right to her own body and life choices, we'll fire back by loving and empowering women further. As they aim to prevent our LGBTQ friends from enjoying the same rights we all deserve, we'll fire back with acceptance and inclusivity. As they aim to paint our friends who've immigrated here in pursuit of a better life as criminals, we'll fire back by accepting them with open arms. As they aim to declare our country one of only one religious belief, we'll fire back with the educated honoring and celebrating of differing backgrounds and spiritual beliefs. As they aim to value greed over environmental preservation, we'll fire back by restoring the land to its natural state as much as possible and caring for the life upon it. As they aim to further divide, we'll fire back with connection and community... loving even those aiming to divide for we know it is due to their own unhealed wounds.

We are one in this country we call land of the free. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When we disrespect others, we disrespect ourselves.

My fellow healers, empathetic educators, intentional parents, and sensitive souls, we mustn't allow the lower vibrations to bring us down with them. Instead, we must shine brighter for the light to overtake darkness.

May we choose not to arm ourselves with weapons, nor put on armor or march in formation. May we instead open our hearts and arms to others, cloak ourselves in peacefulness, and dance together to the rhythm of our own heartbeats.

It's time to rally the militia of love, peace, and kindness. I'll see you on the front lines.

Love & Healing,

Ashley Kay

P.S. Please make sure you are signed up for the Heal & Rise email newsletter (sign up below). It is possible that we may reach a point where the platforms of social media are no longer safe places for women sharing these messages of inspiration and empowerment to gather. I look forward to bringing light to your inbox, or simply reminding you of your own.