SophieJ Life Experiences

Trigger Warnings!

In many of my previous blog posts, I have mentioned that I am not in a lighthearted mood, so I cannot promise any fun and enjoyable content. Especially not when my friends are fleeing from one township to another in Haiti with their babies and parents who have worked so hard and have nothing to show for it. Not when gang members are terrorizing us from all sides. And certainly not when it’s an election year in the host country.

I’m frustrated that my only options for the upcoming presidential election are two elderly candidates with questionable backgrounds and plans. How am I supposed to be okay with that? I’m feeling so much anger right now! There are so many ongoing genocides, and it’s overwhelming to know where to focus my attention. Sometimes, I wish I could be ignorant like those who choose “to ignore” these issues because it’s “too difficult to face.” It’s frustrating that some of them even consider themselves allies. Allies of who or what? I feel so tense and don’t know what to do.

It does feel overwhelming to balance work, care for ourselves, keep an eye on how the government uses our tax money, and maintain our mental, spiritual, and physical health. We also need to make sure our loved ones are doing well. It’s important to remember to stay hydrated, eat healthily, and manage stress, which has been a popular topic lately. I recently read that removing sources of stress entirely is the solution, but it sounds too simple. How do we prioritize collective awareness and humanity? Sometimes, I feel like telling my doctor to leave me alone! And don’t even get me started on my dear parents and their requests for me to find happiness as a gift for them. Mom, please just pick something online and send me the link. But wait, I must also ensure it’s from an ethical company and consider my budget after taxes. It’s a lot to keep in mind, isn’t it?

I am deeply troubled by my home country’s current state of affairs. Even though being away gives me the “luxury” of turning it off, I still survive here despite the challenges. I don’t go to sleep wondering if armed gangs will invade my neighborhood at night. I want to clarify to people in the diaspora that it’s tiring and repulsive when some act as if their concerns for those in the country are more significant than actually living there. I cannot turn a blind eye to the issues affecting the people around me simply for my comfort. Having grown up in Port-au-Prince, I have gained a unique and valuable perspective that should be reflected in my resume. The circumstances in my country have made it clear that it is not business as usual, and it is essential for anyone who genuinely cares about others to acknowledge this.

I’m interested in something other than arguing or teaching history or facts. I’m not going to do it. But if you want to learn about countries like Haiti, Congo, Palestine, and so many more, there are plenty of resources are available. It’s 2024, and there are so many resources that even newborns know what a ring light is. There’s really no excuse not to educate yourself. You can also take action and advocate for important causes. I’ll even provide some helpful links at the bottom of this text. You’re welcome!

PS: All I yearn for is to sleep peacefully and embrace the simple statement, “I’m just a girl!” However, living in a society where women are collectively opting to face a bear in the woods rather than a man, I wonder if things could get any worse? Universe, this is not a challenge I should have to endure.

Palestine: https://decolonizepalestine.com

Congo: https://friendsofthecongo.org

Haiti: https://youtu.be/QWfi6OMczs8?si=bh-j6l0ijkRf1Yug

Haiti: https://youtu.be/KJdb2-7oQKA?si=B_Buf7K51Hb4xCTN