How To Keep Hope Alive When Fighting For Equality
The fight for equality will always be a battle that we have to fight. It’s a terrible thing to admit that even in 2023, we are still dealing with an unjust and racist world.
A world that makes you feel as if you are less than others just because of the color of your skin or your nationality. A world with people in it who will judge you just because of something you have absolutely no control over.
The past few years, in particular, have been especially cruel to the BIPOC community. From senseless murders and crimes to a pandemic that affected our community the most – time is not making our lives any easier.
But when it comes to the fight for equality, we are still out here fighting to be considered as equals. And that gets exhausting. It gets tiring (both physically and mentally) to always be in a constant state of trying to make things better and right.
If you are feeling a little hopeless and in despair, you are not alone. Here are just a few ways that you can keep hope alive when fighting for equality.
Remember What You Are Fighting For
It’s hard not to feel frustrated when it just feels like you aren’t getting anywhere. At times, it’s even tempting to just throw the towel in and move on. Equality should never be one of those things that are just so easily given up on. During the civil rights era, Dr. King, we are sure, became frustrated and very discouraged at times. But the battle he chose to take on was still the same as it was, no matter how frustrated he probably became.
In our modern day fight for equality, it’s important for us to remember the base foundation. Our initial “why,” and purpose behind it. Keeping this as a driving force in the back of our mind will always help propel us forward even in the most challenging of times.
Hope Is Not Without Adversity
If there wasn’t any adversity in life, we wouldn’t need to have hope, right? Hope is not the guarantee that things will be made easier. Instead, it is the promise that someday, through our efforts, it might be easier for future generations. It would be nice if there was a guarantee that our efforts would come through. When Dr. King and others sat and marched for the basic rights we now do have, there was no guarantee that it would pan out. But it did.
There is literally hope in the word hope itself.
Take A Temporary Step Back
We are outraged and hurt and disheartened by the countless events that have been in the media in recent years. And we all have personal injustices and racism stories to tell for days. Sometimes, as important as the fight for equality is, we just need to take a step back. To turn off the news for the day. Stop scrolling social media so much.
It’s important to stay in tune with what is going on but remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself, too. Take care of the immediate needs of your family and friends first. To pause for a moment and just enjoy the life and moments that you do have together. Doing a little self-care and allowing yourself moments to just forget can also help you remember your why even stronger.
As BIPOC, we are not on an easy walk through life. Which is why it is even more important for you to remember to put yourself and your own personal needs first, as well. If you are struggling with remaining hopeful during this challenging time, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help with BIPOC Therapy.