DC Area Moms is not a political site, but we always want to keep a pulse on how moms in the area are feeling.
I am not going to sugarcoat it – living in DC is tough right now.
There are National Guard troops on the streets with big guns picking up trash and doing landscaping. They are also patrolling metro stations and neighborhoods. ICE and other federal agents are stopping people on the street. They are pulling people into unmarked cars. This is happening both during the day, like at school drop off times, and in the middle of the night. The news continues to focus on the “bad” of the city and surrounding areas, completely missing the lived experiences of those who are actually living here.
In addition, people across the DC area continue to lose jobs due to government reduction in forces, whether that impacts a job directly or indirectly. Plus, we know we live in a high cost of living area and prices seem to keep going up. Terrible news of violence and shootings at schools and churches and more come across the screen almost daily.
It’s almost as if there is nothing good happening. I get it. I truly do. And I’m not trying to start a political debate or anything, as I feel like the above is really just stating the facts of what we’re seeing in DC and across the country. This is our reality that we’re living in right now.
Living in DC is tough right now. But let me tell you something. Living in DC right now is also beautiful. Because we are here for each other.
DC is a unique community. I moved here in 2008 as a college student, and because of who, not what, is in this city is why I stayed and built a career and a family here. It’s a city of diverse people – all colors, shapes, sizes, religions, economic status, political views, and more – who all recognize that this city is special. DC is one of the most powerful cities in the world because of the government that sits here, but at the microlevel it’s one of the most powerful cities in the world because we, normal everyday people, function and live our lives in the midst of the government around us. We operate in a city that doesn’t really govern itself, but we live and grow and build and love because we love this city and those in it.
This city and its citizens come together all the time for each other. When something awesome happens (anyone remember when DC sports teams were actually good…sigh), we celebrate! If a tragedy happens, we rally around those impacted with both big support (think GoFundMes and large events expressing support) and small support (delivering a meal to a neighbor in need, for example). When our city is threatened, as it is now, we organize, protest, form groups to make sure kids can safely walk to school, and so much more.
I write this because I myself needed the reminder that I love living here because of who is here. I love my neighbors and the area of the city I live in. But I’ve lived across this city and every area has been incredible and unique. I write this because I myself needed a reminder that it’s the people that demand and make change, and DC is full of people who are demanding change. I write this because I myself needed a reminder that there are so many around me who will support me when I feel down and discouraged.
Steps You Can Take
First, be informed and talk about what what’s going on to those outside the DMV. Be open and share how you feel so friends and family across the country know how this impacts you! Ensure you’re in the neighborhood and parent groups on social media/ email. These communications can give you ways to connect within your local community. There are several ways to get involved with whatever you are passionate about. People can choose to be involved or not–both are individual choices.
Living in DC is tough right now. But let’s be there for each other. We’ll get through this – and the world will learn from our example. If you’re a federal worker looking for resources, check out this article.
