Well, folks, it appears it really is happening. Tomorrow, a thin-skinned, grossly underqualified, misogynistic, xenophobic nightmare is being inaugurated as President of the United States of America. I’m terrified, and I have relatively little to fear. I have spent a large portion of 2017 in denial. I have not been good at getting off my ass and doing anything about the growing nausea and terror within me.

I plan to join the Women’s March in Chicago this weekend. I’m overwhelmed by the idea of marching with that many other people, but I’m going to do it anyway. And after that? I’m going to look for ways to get involved in local political movements, because that is where you and I have the most power.

If you’re feeling hopeless and paralyzed, I get it. I’m struggling with the same feelings, and it’s really, really hard to push past that. But we owe it to ourselves, and to our fellow human beings, to try. It may feel like the apocalypse is imminent, but all signs point to this being a reality that’s going to be here for a while, so we need to do what we can to keep fighting. I’ve decided that giving up is not an option.

I’ve seen a bunch of helpful and empowering articles and videos around the internet the past few days. Here are a handful of them:

• First, read this: A Handy Guide to Disrespecting Cheeto Satan From Inauguration and Beyond.
• And while you’re at it, read this, too: It’s time for progressives to finally hold Democratic politicians accountable.
• Next, watch this: Don’t Be a Bystander: 6 Tips for Responding to Racist Attacks.
• For some added inspiration, watch this, too: Nina Turner Speaks at Martin Luther Kind Jr. Day March.
• And finally, props to Teen Vogue for posting this excellent article on spotting fake news: The Best Tips for Spotting Fake News in the Age of Trump.