Dan Osborn and I (pre-drag) at a 2024 event in Lincoln, Nebraska.

I know—it’s been a rough ride for all of us. The world keeps pitching and yawing us into its eternal shitstorm; we’re all trying not to be thrown overboard. You know me—I’ll never tell you to stick your head in the sand or water, because you know I never will, because you’ll only get stuck in the mud. I’ll look straight at the storm, squint into the dark, and still try to name what’s beautiful.

Maybe that’s the illusion of control. Perhaps it’s not. All I know is this: if I don’t aim my energy toward the places I can influence, I’ll lose the thread of myself. So here’s what I’m prioritizing—small lighthouses in this shifting sea—which I gently, poetically, urgently suggest to you too:

Can you spot a certain Greek progressive Greek girl standing beside Dan Osborn (right)…at an EVENT WITH A GUY IN A MAGA HAT (left). These kinds of political efforts are nothing short of remarkable. Photo credit and source: Jordan Carney.

Check on your queer friends. Especially your trans friends, especially the ones you haven’t seen in a while—old students, folks you admire, friends who drifted to the edges of your life. I can’t speak for trans people, but I imagine many are feeling frightened right now, with good reason. Ask them how they’re doing. Let them talk. Listen with both ears, both eyes, your whole ribcage.

Reset the psychic algorithm. Share what you love. Share what delights you, what haunts you, what reminds you that you’re alive. Flood the comments, post on my wall—I promise, I will never tire of it. I’m not into toxic positivity; its brightness blinds. But I believe that our scrappy, wild, necessary art needs a chance to breathe above the noise. I have created a mini-tradition on Facebook and Instagram, called Happy, Shitty Friday, where I open up my walls and comments to all my followers’ good news, poems, and pictures.

HAPPY, SHITTY FRIDAY! Instead of dwelling in the psychic mire, join me on Facebook, IG, and Substack, and GIVE ME SOME SUGAR!

• Follow Nebraska Appleseed or your state’s ACLU. Their work makes a difference. Sign up for their emails. Add your voice here: NE Appleseed.. I feel less powerless when my name enters the record.

• Get involved in local politics. I’m heading out on Monday to see Dan Osborn. True confession: I dressed in drag as him last Halloween. Who wore it best? Honestly, probably Dan—but maybe I’ll reprise the role this year. He’ll be in Lincoln tomorrow, Sept. 22, at 6 pm. If you want to come, sign up here: Dan Osborn events.

It is I, in a red hat. JUST KIDDING - MADE YOU LOOK: BLACK LIVES MATTER.

• Your turn. What anchors you? What rituals or rebellions keep you tethered to sanity and care?

Because here’s the truth: We are only as strong as the net we weave together. We don’t survive by going it alone—we survive by reaching out in the dark and finding a hand, warm and waiting.

The small but mighty Maria Nazos henceforth transforms into Dan Osborn. Think my friend will get mad if I dress up as if again this year for her epic party?