Now
that the next president has been elected, you may be left with all kinds of
concerns and fears around it. I personally am concerned. I am concerned for
myself as a female and an immigrant, for my family, and for multiple friends,
clients, colleagues and just people, who do not fit into the category of the
white straight able-bodied and wealthy enough male. So, if you have concerns
and fears, please, know that you are not alone. And, keep reading further.
I do
not have any political solutions in mind. However, I would like to offer a few
thoughts on coping with post-election distress. First of all, it is important
to acknowledge and validate your feelings. No matter what they are or how
different they are from those experienced by others, you have the right to feel
the way you do. I have been reading and hearing a lot form the folks that voted
for the president-elect that I and others, who are upset need to get over it,
accept the results, and stop being angry. I DO NOT believe this rhetoric, and I
do not think that it is healthy to suppress your feelings and “move on”. Instead,
I encourage you to express your feelings and your thoughts in healthy ways.
So,
the second suggestion that I have is
to search for and find ways to express
your feelings and moreover, use
energy of your distress in a meaningful and constructive way. You may ask
how do I do this? The options are limitless. Here are just a few ideas. Writing about your feelings or
expressing them in any kind of creative format may help further understand and
process your reactions. It often helps
to talk to the SUPPORTIVE and SAFE others
about your feelings and concerns. Many people told me that since November 8
they have not been sure who is safe and who is supportive.
If
you would like to put energy of your
anger, disgust, fear, distress and so forth to
good use, look for different social causes and movements that make sense to
you. Since November 8, multiple campaigns and movements have started
organizing. For example, there is all-inclusive “Women’s March on DC” being
organized and planned in every corner of the country right now. It is scheduled
for January 21, 2017, the day after president-elect’s inauguration. You can
join your local chapter and work with like-minded others and/or march in DC or
locally in support of the human rights and advocating for the minority groups. There
is “Love Trumps Hate” and “Let Love Conquer”. I have seen people donating in the names of
president-elect and vice-president-elect to all kinds of organizations and
groups that have been ostracized during election season. Here is a list of
different organizations representing and fighting for marginalized groups:
You may choose to be-friend others from
particularly vulnerable minority groups, such as people of Muslim faith or
LGBTQ individuals.
Third, during times like this self-care is even more important. So, remember to be nice to
yourself by soothing your worried and young parts by things like positive
loving affirmations, essential aroma oils of lavender and sweet orange, being in nature, listening
to calming music, hugs from self and others, and LOTS OF SELF-COMPASSION. Also,
take good care of your body through good night sleep, walking, exercising,
eating healthy food and drinking lots of water.
Finally, being with SUPPORTIVE OTHERS and finding a community you feel safe with is as important as ever. No one
can do it alone. If none of your friends or family members can understand and
appreciate your concerns, join Love Trumps Hate group on facebook, come to one
of their local events, and connect to those who are willing to listen and
understand. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
With lots of love and compassion
I WONDERED why you were wearing that safety pin but refrained from asking lest it be too personal an inquiry. I love it and am donning mine now, as well! Thank you for sharing this very helpful safety symbol!
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