Blog #30: Dear April
Dear April,
You come and go every year, but this time around, you left your mark on me. The more I align myself with the ebb and flow of changing seasons, the more I understand the severity of spring. I’ve been in hibernation mode for the past 3+ months, and finally, like a flower bursting open with life, I find myself blooming into a new world. Whether I was ready for it or not, spring came for me -- urging me to stand up on my own. April was full of exciting travels, face-to-face interactions and long awaited reunions. Each day, I surprised myself by showing up as my most extroverted self. I was reminded of how sweet it felt to be in the presence of good family, friends, and new buds.
Some treasured highlights:
We kicked April off with the most cherished celebration of Nanay’s birthday. Another year of life = another year of fight. She is our family’s living guardian angel; her prayers could make the wildest dreams of our ancestors come true. <3
Spent some much needed quality time with my college besties. You know it’s a blessed friendship when you get together after a long while and it feels like no time has passed. My friends truly bring out my best self.
Went out dancing with my girl friends and solidified my new tribe in LA. Our safe and validating little community reminds me of how I am entitled to take up space and move freely. My girlie pops give me so much life!
Celebrated another birthday girl, a dear friend whose power lies in her gentle kindness. The theme of her party was “bring your favorite comfort food”, so I came in hot with a home-y butter cauliflower curry dish. I think it’s safe to say that it was a hit. :)
Jetted to our state capitol to throw the policy party of the DECADE. Ocean Day California, a lobbying day for ocean advocates across the state, is like the Oscar’s of our conservation world. My work is privileged enough to host the VIP Reception, which we spent the last 5 months preparing for. Most importantly, I got to stand in a room with the top decision makers of our whole state for the evening and encourage them to act on behalf of our beloved ocean.
Took a week long trip to the place where my heart is at home -- the Bay Area. So much happened that it would be overwhelming to try and sum up. I may not remember all the little conversations and interactions years from now, but I will remember the deep sense of belonging and home that each person gave to me. Whether it’s family, old friends, or new ones, I know that my community runs deep. I am safe to be my truest self in their presence.
Two days after I returned to LA from the Bay, I hopped into my car and took the three hour trek up to San Luis Opisbo. A friend of mine who works at Cuesta College invited me to be the guest speaker for a Sociology class, celebrating the transition from Earth Month to AAPI Heritage Month. No surprise why I came to mind. :) The presentation and discussion went great. I got to discuss how my unique identity and life experiences guide me to heal the planet; intersections of the environment and colonialism/catholicism/capitalism; tradeoffs of policy work versus grassroots organizing; the importance of self care; and so much more. I think at one point, I got into an impassioned rant about how rich white men are withering away in congress, and it’s our responsibility to replace them with empathetic leaders who are ready to fight for OUR generation and those to come. I thank my friend for giving me this special opportunity to talk my shit. Hopefully this is only the second speaking engagement of many more. <3
Upon arrival in LA post-lecture, my body was in complete shambles. I genuinely hit my limit, and it manifested in my poor gut health, headaches, body aches and general fatigue. I knew I needed to do something solely for ME, so I booked a lymphatic massage with a family friend, the wonderful Miss Michelle. Our session started off with a brief yet informative consultation, where I told Michelle about some eye-related health issues that I’ve been experiencing (and everything contributing to my poor health in between). She was super gentle and compassionate with me throughout the conversation, and that energy carried through the entire treatment. Lymphatic is a gentle form of massage, because our lymphatic system is right below the surface of our skin, similar to our blood stream. So Michelle would lightly tap and glide her fingers on parts of my face, chest and stomach in a rhythmic fashion, encouraging toxins to get “unstuck” and clear from my system. My favorite part was when she tapped and swept her fingers across my collar bone. A very simple manipulation, but in addition to relieving my tension, it made me feel so safe and loved inside. I think it’s pretty incredible how such healing power can come from such gentle movements. A beautiful dichotomy if you ask me. I left the massage with a deep seated confidence in my body that amazingly protects and heals itself. If you’re interested in booking a massage with Michelle and supporting an emerging small business, reach out to her via IG @centerforlymphaticmassage <3
Thank you, April, for reminding me how very important it is to replenish my energy. Everything that I do starts with setting an intention, and that intention must start in a place of abundant, grounded, and positive energy. This is the only way for me to manifest my vision for a better world. As I continue to move through the seasons of life, I will look back on April and remember your humbling power.
Much love,
EE
