As we enter 2025, I look ahead and realize that, as with every year, there are a lot of unknowns; but this year, I know there is a lot of darkness and fear. And for many, this is fueled somewhat by the lack of knowing what to expect and, for some, promises made by the incoming administration that can impact their entire families.

I want to be clear that horrific things have been taking place before November and since, but what I am hoping is readers will hold in their minds and hearts the fear that has started since the November election results.

A few years ago my husband and I started hiking every week. As someone who doesn’t like to exercise, my love of nature and the beautiful sights, sounds, and smells that go along with it made hiking a bearable way to keep my muscles moving.

In San José, our favorite spot was Alum Rock Park, and there was a big hill that I would dread each time, but I knew once I got over that, the hike was just breathtaking. One day when it was muddy, I watched my feet instead of looking up and before I knew it, I was at the top of the hill. I started to realize that when I watched my feet instead of looking up at everything I needed to get to, it was easier.

Like many, when looking at 2025, I felt enveloped in a dark cloud of uncertainty, not sure if I could see my way through it. There is already so much injustice, cruelty, hate, and intolerance—what more can be brought on?

Thinking not only of myself but of my friends, colleagues, and also the very compassionate, empathetic seekers of justice, including those who support Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), I have tried to wrap my head around it all.

I realized that the mindset I have to take when climbing these big hills might help my brain manage the other challenges in front of me.

I am not really thinking of the cliché “one step at a time,” but rather keep focused on making a difference and try not to be distracted from that.

For those of us who advocate for non-human animals, workers, the environment, and all other social justice issues, it can sometimes seem insurmountable; when we look at these issues, it might feel like we have to climb a mountain to get there.

But if we keep focused on the change we want to make, it will make it more tolerable as we will be able to see how we are making a difference.

We know that the new administration has its targets—which include some of the most vulnerable, such as immigrants, BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA, the environment, and non-human animals—but it is no different than previous administrations.

I know it is easier said than done, but we need to work to not get distracted by each piece of vitriol that is exposed but instead keep focused on the things we have control over and the causes that we care about.

During this time it is going to be so important for us to keep an eye out for each other as individuals we know, see, and are in touch with but also use our voices to advocate for those we have never even met.

Joining a workshop on how to be an active bystander—that is safe for you and those who you are intervening for—is an important way to ensure that racism, transphobia, etc., do not go undeterred when you are around.

When it comes to actions such as petitions, they do work even when it is to a non-listening or non-caring government; just know you are joining your voice with others who feel like you do. I truly believe in individual choices and collective voices. You can follow organizations on social media or sign up to their e-newsletters. So not being on social media is not an excuse not to lend your voices with others who stand for justice and advocate for those at a distance.

Recently, I slid on some rocks on our hike down Cerro San Luis in San Luis Obispo. My knee was pretty bloodied, so I sat on a large rock as my husband cleaned my wound and bandaged me up. While this was happening, a group of three people in their 20s asked if I was okay and if they could do anything for me. They didn’t have anything with them (not even water!) and I thought, even though they couldn’t do anything, it made me feel good that they cared—they showed empathy. There are going to be times when we can’t actively do something, but making sure others are seen and are sensitive to what they are going through goes a long way.

If you support F.E.P., you know that we feel so many issues revolving around the cruelty and injustices in our food system are connected. But I believe that they are connected beyond the food system as the strains of these injustices all come from the same place. That is why I am still hopeful that those of us who understand this can continue to build strong alliances together as we are the ones who should be creating the narrative on what our society should look like.

So if you are like me and initially felt enveloped by a dark cloud last November, it is time we stand strong—we don’t need to know if that cloud is going to bring rain or pass with the wind. We will be prepared. In one of MLK Jr.’s last speeches, he mentioned he has seen the mountaintop and how he isn’t sure if he will get there with us—many of us might not be—but we need to keep fighting, as everyone deserves to live in a place free of oppression, exploitation, othering of every kind of hate.

And even if we stumble, we should know there will be others there who see us and will continue the journey.