Oh, my dear friends, what a whirlwind week it’s been since the election! Truly, I have felt the tremors of change ripple through every corner of our collective spirit. This isn’t just politics as usual; it’s something much deeper—a kind of collective transformation, one we may not fully understand yet. I've spent the week listening to clients, many holding onto cautious optimism, others gripped by a deep and gnawing terror. But the one thing uniting them all? Fear. A bone-deep, middle-of-the-night, mind-racing fear that sometimes doesn’t have a name. It’s a fear that doesn’t come with easy explanations, almost as if the real causes are hidden just out of sight. And yet, here we are, together in it.
Before we dive into understanding this moment, let me share a little about why I feel so deeply connected to both sides of our divided world. I grew up with a mother who was a devoted Catholic and a father who was a “Jack Mormon,” baptizing my siblings into the LDS faith, without my mother’s consent. It created a tension that split our family into different ways of seeing the world. Little me, just trying to keep the peace, grew up learning how to bridge divides, how to understand without judgment. It was an upbringing that taught me that no one was “wrong” or “right,” just that each of us walked a different path shaped by our life experiences.
I came to understand, even then, that we all want the same things—love, security, connection, safety—for ourselves and those we care about. The ways we pursue them might look different, but our hearts beat with the same desires. And now, here I am, as an independent voter and a witness in this election, bringing that same empathy and understanding into our current moment.
So, let’s breathe together as we step back and ask ourselves: How can we face this uncertainty with grace? How can we use this time to overcome the fears that linger in our hearts? Here are a few thoughts that may help us find our footing:
1. Count the Good: When the world feels shaky, take a moment to ground yourself by focusing on what is working well. Think about the blessings in your life—the people you love, the simple joys, the small wins. Let gratitude be your anchor.
2. Perspective on Power: Remember, who sits in office may impact our nation, but our personal lives are shaped much more by the love we cultivate and the actions we take. And if this choice wasn’t the one you wanted, there’s always another opportunity to make your voice heard in the future.
3. Look Within: Fear often pulls on threads from our past, resurfacing memories or trauma. Sometimes, what we feel isn’t just about today’s news but echoes of old wounds. Be gentle with yourself; honor your emotions and give them space to be seen.
4. Your Beliefs Matter: Wherever you stand, know that your perspective is valid. It’s okay to feel what you feel. No one else can tell you that your experience or your fears are wrong. Hold your beliefs close and let them be a source of strength.
5. Choose Your Lens: Our reality is colored by the beliefs we hold. When we focus on positivity, we can see new possibilities in even the most difficult circumstances. Try to seek the glimmers of hope in this moment; they are there if we look with open eyes.
6. The Crumbling Structures: As uncomfortable as it might feel, many of the old systems around us are dissolving. We are in the process of creating something new, something more aligned with our collective values. It’s a messy process, but it is happening, and it will bring us to a better place.
And here’s one last thought to carry with you, my friends: Remember that what goes around, comes around. Kindness, compassion, and understanding will always make their way back to you. So, let’s be kind to our neighbors, even those who may have voted for “the other party.” We’re all here, side by side, finding our way in this world. Just like I did as a little girl, sitting with a Catholic Bible on one side and the Book of Mormon on the other, bridging two worlds with a smile and a wink. We can coexist, and when we lead with love, the path becomes a little brighter for all of us.
Comments