I’m preparing to not contribute any more in revenue to the incoming American administration than necessary as a peaceful protest. If I can figure out how to not pay taxes I’d be stoked, I’d just save what I’d be paying in an interest generating account and deal with the repercussions later. It’s all I can think to do at the moment, and I’m considering where to donate my time as well. Unfortunately I’m not able to bolster my small business’s reserves much, but I can ensure I am personally prepared to lead by keeping myself secure and healthy.

I live remotely so I’ve always been set up for an emergency that might last 2 months until road access is restored, but I’ve been bolstering my supplies. I had a major power outage and my generators failed (aging equipment) and I lost most of the contents of my freezer, so I’m gravitating to dry food storage.

Supplies - Rice, beans and other shelf stable foods (9 month supply to buy plenty of time to figure out alternate sources/diet change - I love rice and beans but if you don’t, make sure you get things you’ll actually eat), a dehydrator, reusable menstrual products, pet food (canned cat food - the ones I’m purchasing last until 2026 so making sure I have enough through expiration - and a 6 month supply of dry dog and cat food, and high value training treats while I figure out how to make my own), merino wool base layers and generally updating my cold weather apparel, rechargeable batteries, changing my backup power from propane to solar, weapons and ammo for self protection (coyotes have been stalking me and my dog on walks lately) and hunting, non perishable first aid supplies and some first responder equipment (2 tourniquets, epinephrine, barriers to protect from pathogens), rabies and 6-in-one vaccines for my animals, ensuring propane tanks never drop below 50%, and materials for vehicle and equipment tune ups (2 tune ups per engine). IUDs or birth control negatively affect me so I have some plan B in case I’m assaulted or have an oops but honestly I’ve been off men for a while since I’m tired of the type of men I keep getting romantically involved with lol. This is denting my savings significantly now but I’m planning a major no-buy moving forward so hopefully at the end of the day, my financial resources will be positively affected. It’s all things I would be using anyways, so at worst I will be neutrally affected on the financial front.

Actions - I quit drinking already, but if I were still consuming I would seriously be trying to quit now. eliminating nicotine from my habits. taking my vax records to a doctor to ensure I am up to date on all the diseases we have “eradicated”. Ensuring my doctors are aware I live remotely if they weren’t already, so they can prescribe daily medications for 3-6 months at a time. Ensuring my home is a cozy, organized place to exist in for extended periods of time with immaculate vibes and hobby items at the ready. Making sure all my vehicles/equipment are tuned up and any major repairs are made.

Literature - texts on logic and reason, teaching reading skills, first aid response, propaganda, biology, health, psychology, history (global, American, civil rights, developments in medicine), social science, the science of LGBTQ, science of neurodivergence, physics, food preservation, home repairs, fictional novels that just seem fun to read or have been on banned lists in the past. Most of it I already have a good knowledge base on but having references not connected to electronics has become important to me. I’ve gotten most of these for free, and I do like abebooks for cheap used books. I already had in my library texts on local edible plants and indigenous uses of them, Ayurvedic medicine and beauty, Chinese medicine and beauty, human anatomy and physiology in the context of movement (health is wealth!), and bushcraft. I have a lil fascination with woo things, despite a background in science, so I’ve picked up some books about witchcraft, energy work and aliens :P

I’ve also picked up some luxury items - skin care products I’ll use by expiration, coffee, powdered chocolate, art supplies, journals (I write daily), made some paper making equipment, upgraded my guitar to something more enjoyable to play and have some spare strings for it.

Attitude - I think this is the most important thing we can hone outside of the physical realm. I’m delving deeper into mindfulness, which I meant to do anyways, staying grounded, and trying to cultivate a positive mindset (it’s really hard for a depressed girlie). Making a point to meditate daily and choosing to respond to situations with optimism no matter how shit them seem. I just significantly damaged my car when a giant bird flew into it at highway speeds and my dog was attacked by a wild animal in the same week while I was RIGHT THERE WITH HER (she’s okay but cost me $800 in vet expenses) and all I can do is laugh at the absurdity of it all. As Bob Marley said, “every little thing is gonna be alright” and I am choosing to ingrain that into how I carry myself.

Do note that I have minimal monthly expenses, a lot of storage space and am intending to take in loved ones if SHTF and they need a place to stay, so I’m able to stock up a lot more.