Have you seen that giant sage bundle meme going around? While it gave us a good laugh, it also perfectly captures the anxiety and uncertainty many of us are feeling about 2025 already—especially with the recent executive orders and changes from the new administration making headlines.

As someone who's navigated the ups and downs of immigrant life for over a decade, I know how overwhelming it can feel when political changes add another layer of uncertainty to our journey. This is exactly why I started First Doorway, and now this newsletter—to help you navigate the challenges, fully embrace your American dream and achieve what you wanted to achieve before you moved here.

For this week, let's talk about

Practical Ways to Protect Our Peace:

1. Master the Media Diet: Limit screen time and news exposure
   Research shows that setting intentional limits on screen time, including both news and social media, can significantly improve mental health and well-being. Allocating just 20 minutes twice a day to check updates—whether it's news or social platforms—can help reduce stress while staying connected and informed.
   

2. Grounding technique that actually works: you'll notice a feeling of warmth arising from your heart area
   
   Place one hand near your heart and the other on your tummy. Close your eyes, and inhale deeply through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4 counts, then exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 counts.

   Feel the rhythm of your breath and the warmth of your hand. This simple practice calms your mind and brings you back to the present.
   

3. Reduce Stress with Simple Healthy Habits
   Move Your Body: Just 20 minutes of walking can release feel-good hormones and reduce tension.
   Prioritize Sleep: Not getting enough sleep increases stress and makes it harder to cope with challenges. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep.
   

4. Future-focused visualization instead of getting lost in current worries, ask yourself:

   • What does my ideal future in this country look like? See this future self vividly in your mind

   • What small step can I take today toward that vision?

   • What would my future successful self--who has already achieved these dreams--advise me about today's challenges?

Remember, every newcomer who's achieved their dreams once stood where you are now. They felt these same uncertainties, and yet they moved forward. You will too--and I'm here to make sure you will. And hey, while that giant sage bundle might be amusing, your resilience and determination are your real superpower.