As the dust settles after the election, many of us find ourselves not just reflecting on the choice between candidates but rather on a deeper, more unsettling truth: our collective sensemaking, our shared understanding of values, seems to have shifted. This was never just a choice between Policy A and Policy B—it was a reckoning with the question, 'What do we truly value as a nation?' For some, the belief that the character of our leaders would matter seemed fundamental, and yet here we are, confronting a new reality that makes us question everything: Who are our neighbors? Should we continue friendships with those who double down to support a new president who, to us, represents a turn toward ugliness and darkness? And yet, so many seem ready to keep going like nothing happened. This blog is about how we navigate this moment and find our way forward in a reality that feels, in many ways, like uncharted territory."
TIP 1. Embrace Reality, No Sugarcoating. We are living in a broken world.
In times like these, acknowledging reality becomes a necessary act of courage. It’s essential to see things as they are without glossing over the hard truths. For many, this new political reality feels like the beginning of a darker era, one that could carry consequences far beyond any single term. With a fresh mandate, the new president may feel emboldened to pursue a vision that conflicts with the values some hold dear. This isn’t about pessimism or surrender—it’s about clarity. We can only begin to understand how to respond with resilience and intention by recognizing what lies ahead.
TIP 2. Practice Emotional Regulation: Respond, Don’t React
In the wake of election results, it’s easy to feel a surge of emotions—anger, frustration, even the impulse to act out or cut people off. But reacting in the heat of the moment often leads to decisions we might regret later. This is a time for discernment and intentional action, not irrational moves. Recognize that some people in your life may have chosen a path you can’t understand, a path that reflects values very different from your own. You don’t need to make a public declaration or let them know how you feel. Internally, however, you can decide what that means for your relationships. Maybe you choose to keep interactions strictly business or decide to share less of yourself with them going forward.
Direct your energy toward what you can control. We can’t change the election results, control how others voted, or fully understand why they made that choice. Instead, center your attention on your own growth and resilience. This might mean pursuing a new goal, like signing up for a master’s program, checking in on close friends, or building a community of like-minded people. In times like these, surrounding yourself with trusted individuals becomes more essential than ever.
TIP 3. Connect: Return to the Fundamentals
Over time, many of us have drifted into a more disconnected way of life—a trend that goes beyond any one election result. Now, connection is more important than ever. To counteract the divisiveness in the air, increase activities that foster connection and decrease those that create disconnection. Embrace the small joys around you: be present with friends, organize a cozy dinner gathering, dance to music, or immerse yourself in art and reading. Nourish your body and seek out love in its many forms.
Step back from the endless scroll of social media, and let go of engagements that don’t serve your peace. Limit your exposure to people who drain you or don’t contribute positively to your life. By focusing on enriching connections, you’ll strengthen your resilience and rediscover what matters most.
Tip 4. Love Your Little World
While the big world may feel broken and ugly, your little world doesn’t have to be. You have the power to shape your personal world into something meaningful, vibrant, and safe. Refusing to adopt a victim mindset, you can choose to build a life full of things that nourish your spirit. This is your space to protect, where you set the tone and decide who and what you allow in.
Take pride in crafting your own corner of peace and purpose. By focusing on what you can build in your own world, you take back a sense of agency, knowing that even in times of great change, you’re still in control of the world you’re creating.
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