Whether as a healer, activist, teacher—or all of the above—get mobilized. We are not powerless. And we strengthen oppressive systems when we believe the lie that we are.

We must show up and demand dignity and humanity be centered. We must demand that care be centered, because when it isn’t, the most wounded among us are left to lead with fear, hatred, and revenge.

So ask yourself:
Where are you organizing?
Who are you supporting?
What is your role?

Where do you hold stress in your body? What thoughts or feelings are lingering in your mind or energy? We invite you to take a few moments today to reflect and begin the year with clarity and care.

mentally—helping us better understand our needs.

We chose barbershop imagery intentionally. Barbershops and salons are places where we care for our crowns and connect with community—spaces where conversations unfold, stories are shared, and care is often offered long before we have words for it.

Taking a moment to check in with ourselves allows us to notice where we need care, tend to our wellness with intention, and—when needed—ask for support from others.

Our How Am I? self check-in tool was created to support a holistic reflection on how we’re feeling emotionally, physically, and

Holding both allows us to resist shame, honor bodily autonomy, and defend the right to choose what supports our wellness. We must make room for all paths to care — because our liberation depends on it.

It also matters to remember that pharmacology is rooted in botany — in plants, land, and Indigenous knowledge from across the world. Science and spirit have always been connected.

At the same time, many of our people rely on medication — and when used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful, life-sustaining tool.

Choosing medication is not a failure of faith or strength. For many, it is a survival strategy in systems that were never designed to keep us well.

Accountability isn’t about punishment — it’s about acknowledging where we are, and choosing what we want to honor moving forward.

Use this writing exercise to check in with yourself honestly and set intentions that honor what your body and spirit are asking for.

Give yourself permission to look back with compassion, not criticism, and notice what your body and spirit are asking for as you move into a new season.

Feel free to share a response in the comments! Our community has the power to heal!

As we navigate this season, slowing down to name what we’re grateful for can be a grounding way to care for our bodies and our hearts.

What are you grateful for in this moment? Share below!

Your generosity helps parents rest, recover, and show up for their families—especially during a season when resources are stretched thin. Let us not forget that money is a mental health intervention.
Thank you for helping us weave collective care into the holidays.

Thanks to our community, we were able to distribute:
💜 $10,000 directly to families
💜 Support across 16 states
💜 Cash stipends for 40 families

Families are experiencing increasing financial and emotional strain, and 48% of parents report feeling completely overwhelmed. The Parent Support Fund exists to help lighten that load with dignity, care, and direct support.

Thank you, @iamemmanuelforbesjr — for choosing BEAM and helping shine a light on this work.

👉 Want to support? If you’d like to donate to BEAM and fuel our programs, resources, and community support efforts, you can give by visiting beam.community/donate