Hey Reader,

I had a whole email drafted about 12-week sprints and goal-setting, but I keep staring at it wondering: how TF do we stay focused when so much is at stake?

This week, a woman was killed in cold blood by an ICE agent; a man was killed the same way just the week prior. The country feels like it's unraveling at lightning speeds. Rights are being taken away. Resources are becoming more scarce. And for some of us, what we knew would happen...is happening.

I'm furious. I'm tired. I'm scared. And the question that keeps running through my head is: how much worse does it have to get before it gets better?

Looking back at history, it's hard to gauge. I honestly don't have an answer, but I don't think anyone does.

But here's what I do know: community is more important than ever.

The systems that were supposed to protect us are failing. The safety nets are mere illusions. And the only thing we have left is each other. The people who show up. The people who build together. The people who refuse to let the chaos isolate us.

Community starts in the little conversations. If you have big weekend plans, I want to hear about them. Got good news? Share it. Right now, I feel like we all need something to hold on to. Something that makes us feel human in the midst of a budding dystopia.

Try to find peace this weekend. Surround yourself with people and things that bring you joy. Hit reply and let me know how you're doing.

In the meantime, take care of yourself.

TaRon 'Ronnie' Joyner
Founder, 1991 Design