Aftermath
Whatever way you're feeling, you're not alone.
This was a WEEK. Most of us are still reeling from it and coming to terms with what is to come after a very intense election cycle, that resulted in greater divide than many of us expected. As I've stated in my previous posts, I had no intention of staying silent during this election cycle. Because this election went far beyond politics. I can appreciate differences in perspective and different interests, which may result in differences in political stance. But that's not what this election was about. This election was about human rights and morale character. It was about standing up to bullies, it was about prioritizing not just the rights of ourselves but those of others, particularly marginalized groups. It was about not allowing the government to take control of things that our ancestors fought for decades to protect as our personal, human rights. In the short time since the election results, we're already seeing a shift and seeing some of the very real consequences of the choices made. People filled with hate now feel emboldened to share their darkest and cruelest of sentiments. What many of us tried so hard to protect and prevent is now on our doorsteps. So what do we do? I'm going to share my path forward, in case it helps you.
Feel- take whatever time to feel what you need to feel. And protect your self. Take care of yourself and your big feelings. We can't move forward until we've acknowledged how this election has effected us. Surround yourself with people who are like minded, who will provide comfort and safety. Distance yourself from people who you know feel differently, so as not to further upset yourself. The damage is done, so chances are, differing opinions right now are going to cut even more deeply based on the election results. We need to take a break from the fighting, so we can gather the energy needed for the next stages we will need to move through. Many of us already fought to get to this point, so take a step back. Regroup. Recalibrate. Take really good care of your physical and mental health. You could treat this time as if you're recovering from being sick. Trust your intuition when it comes to how you need to spend your time, and with whom.
Faith- the biggest challenge to having faith is maintaining it when things feel the most bleak. This is the test. There will for sure be periods of intense anger and sadness, but it's unsustainable to feel that way long term. The only choice we have is to move through this. That's where faith comes in. And we have been faced with this before. Obviously every obstacle is different, and this one feels particularly challenging, but again- that's where we rely on our faith. And our intuition. The easiest way to lean into faith is to surround yourself in community with like minded people. I've found my people, personally, on Tik Tok. You do you. That's what works for me. I've found the people who share in my personal belief that this isn't over. That something feels intuitively wrong with the results. Now before you assume I'm a conspiracy theorist (I'm truly not), let me explain why this comes down to my faith. My faith, my intuition, tells me that there is more good than evil in this country, in this world. I will not believe for a second that that many people do not care about their neighbors. That they're intolerant of the differences that make us all who we are as individuals. I wasn't raised to believe that. I was raised to believe that we are all responsible for being of service and for lifting each other up. So call me crazy, but I don't believe in results that aren't reflective of that. Now. Could I be wrong? Sure. But here's the thing. What feels better? To have faith? Or to just sit with what's been presented? What energizes you and allows you the strength for the next part? And regardless of the outcome, if I am wrong and this continues through to a successful inauguration of this individual, it will not change my path forward. It will simply mean there is more work to be done than I thought. And that's ok. Because of my faith, I also trust that all of this is happening for a reason. That the darkest times show us where the light is. We're all responsible for that light, and I take that job really seriously. I may already be marginalized as a woman, but beyond that, I have so many advantages over other more marginalized groups. So that's why, after recalibrating and leaning into my faith, I choose to fight.
Fight- I choose fighting over fear. I don't let my fear of what the results currently say deter me from the path forward. How I felt Monday vs. how I feel today, regarding my beliefs and values and morales, has not changed. Now there has just been a fire lit underneath. So it's time to roll up my sleeves and figure out my role. I think many of us are ready to do just that, and want to know what we can do to fight. So far, I have 3 immediate ideas that I'll share. Beyond that, I will continue to stay tuned into the information I get on how I can be of service.
It starts at home. Be kind. Be generous. Help your neighbors. Be a light worker, a beacon of hope. Follow your heart. Follow your intuition. Do not let the hate change who you are. Be your most authentic self. We need you. That said- please also make sure that in the fight to stay who you are, you protect yourself and your safety. I can't believe I even have to say that, but it appears I do based on some of the things already happening in this country since the election.
Donate. Support marginalized groups and the organizations who protect them, who are preparing to fight back. They will need our help now more than ever.
Spend money in accordance with your values and morales. There is public information readily available to find out which companies donate to which politicians and causes. As we head into the holiday season, I encourage you to first prioritize spending with small businesses and people you know (who need your help in this economy especially). And for any big box store shopping, do.your.research. I was surprised at one I uncovered, that I will no longer be giving a cent to. Let this holiday season be a reflection of our morales and values.
You are not alone in this. So take care of yourself, have faith, and come fight with me.
XO
