By Elisabet Medina
Powerful. At times we think of power as negative. We think fight the power! Or absolute power corrupts absolutely. And yet each one of us possesses inner power. Power over our thoughts, power over how we treat others, the words we speak, and the actions we take. What if we made a commitment to use our power, whatever that looks like or means to us to do good in the world? Just imagine the impact! Love never receives the publicity that hatred does, but it is no less a powerful force in the world.

Positive. Nowadays it’s hard to stay positive. The jaded social worker is more than a cliche, it’s a fact that most social workers leave the field after 5 years. It’s too easy to get cynical and skeptical about making a difference. It's easy to be disenchanted by the institutions and boundaries we work within. And yet it changes everything, when one or two people are hopeful, optimistic and joyful about helping others.

Force. It’s not easy. Whether you’re in social work, education, health care any field that is seeking a more equitable and just world is full of challenges. When the naysayers and obstacles come, be a force for good in the world. Resist and persist to a level of stubbornness that the world can be and ought to be better than it is. Justice has never come about through passivity only through passion.
 
Be a powerful positive force for good today.

By: Elisabet Medina
What do you do with the rage you feel?
Let the fire cool to ember and let it flow like lava through your veins. Or deposit in your bones.

What do you do with desire?
Lock away in the vault to keep it safe from robbers. 

What do you do with rejection?
That whisper that says you’re not enough. Do you listen to it’s voice and hold it near, like an old friend that you can’t stand.

What do you do with disappointment?
When the vision of your life gets shattered to tiny bits of glass impossible and painful to try and put back together.

What do you do with loss?
The feeling that earth has shifted and life as you know it will never be the same. Where it’s all rearranged and unrecognizable even to you.

On the outside you smile, don’t cause a scene, use your poker face because life’s dealt you a hell of a hand. Not a soul knows what’s going on.

On the inside;
You scream.
You breathe.
You take a day at a time.
You radically accept reality.
You dust yourself off.
You cry.
You roll around in the dust.
You pray.
You remember who you are.
You grieve what will never be.
You embrace your humanity.
You let go.
You stop doing and start being.
You feel all of it.

The Rage, Desire, Rejection, Disappointment, Loss they all gather around your kitchen table. You pour them coffee and make space for them. And when the evening has come and you've heard their stories, you walk them to the door and thank them for stopping by. It’s because of them not in spite of them that you are: human. free. 

By: Elisabet Medina
I don't know about you but watching the news and witnessing the constant barrage against human rights has me tired and at times discouraged. Here are 5 ways I've maintained a small dose of sanity in the midst of chaos and a surreal political climate. 

1) Marvel Movies: I love Marvel Movies and in particular Marvel story lines that have strong undercurrents and themes of social justice. This year I have to admit Black Panther gave me life because of its representation of women as warriors and scientists, its story line alluding to colonialism, oppression and inequality, not to mention how good looking everyone in this film is. Sometimes it just feels good to have good conquer evil.

2) Music:
I love music of all types, except country. Country music makes me want to jump out of a window. This year SZA, Ella Mai, Janelle Monae are at the top of my list and give me all the feels. 

3) Queen of the South
I am a Telenovela fan, I love living vicariously through characters and dramatic plots no matter how gritty, twisted and over the top. Queen of the South is just the right dose of action, badass women and edge of your couch excitement. 

4) Date/Able
Dating in a city is never boring. And just when you feel like your dating life is a snowflake and no one else in the world goes through these situations, a podcast comes along that reminds you everyone else goes through this! 

5) Cats!
Ok really, I just wanted to share a picture of Symba. But seriously, nothing is more comforting than this little guy crawling into my lap at the end of a long day. 

Whatever makes you happy, whatever brings you hope, or peace or relief from day to day struggles hold on to it. Social change and social justice work are lifetime endeavors; we can be tireless in our efforts by recharging and restoring ourselves. Stay sane!