I don’t mean to bring politics into this space, but as I’ve been coming to terms with a second Trump administration, a part of me looked back at his first term and remembered who I became. I was a very, very angry and anxious person. It came out in bursts on Facebook and on people I love who were less concerned about the issues that were the main focus at the time.
I really do not like that version of me.
When the dust settled a bit under Biden, I learned how to cool down and be more gracious (I think to myself, “what would Mr. Rogers do?”). My relationships are much better now and I’m more levelheaded in my conversations.
I still want to be able to do my part in helping my community and to have brave conversations, but as I’m seeing his cabinet picks it has become clear that this will be an administration of rage.
He has been choosing every personality from Congress to television to twitter to lead the country, and he has been picking the most vocal and unhinged personalities.
With that as the backdrop, I want to still maintain some semblance of who I am and not fall into the pit of rage.
Has anyone else been thinking about this?
Not sure if it helps, but there are many of us who are taking this very hard. I’ve seen a few glimmers of thoughtful and realistic hope, and it helps a little. I am focusing on the immediate needs in my life, and I am sure it will take me a long time to digest what happened. Even if Donald didn’t win, so much has been revealed to be wrong with so many people, and that’s hard to process, too.
A couple thoughts:
- What would Mr Rogers do is terrific. He was calm and patient, but worked tirelessly to make life better for who he could.
- I’ve substituted “fuck this asshole” with - “I’m going to focus on outliving this asshole and having more impact on the world.”
Also, let’s not forget that a lot of this is in response to the United States having it’s first black president, and in that context…the people mobilized by it…they’re pathetic and pitiable. They’re still harmful! But like mosquitoes, ticks and leaches.
They need to be countered, and we can all do our best to do our part. Those who can, should learn just enough about them to isolate, counter, and clean up after them.
But other than useful tips for containment, all we need to know about them is that they are small, sad and disgusting.
Yes! We must outlive our enemies.
This machine runs on Spite and Caffeine.
This may or may not be relevant to you or other’s situations but Trevor Noah had some great advice: watch the news no more than once, maybe twice a week. That’s all you really need to stay informed. More than that is just doom scrolling endless speculation pieces. This is exhausting.
Use this energy to get involved locally. You can’t personally affect things in Washington (and accept this), but you can have an effect locally.
No. However, honestly, sharing your concerns with your community and maybe if you can afford it both monetarily and in time then therapy can be a great help if you aren’t getting it already.
Finding ways to help others and build skills you and others will need to survive can also help, joy comes from learning and being of service to others often.
Journalling out your thoughts and feelings are a great way of offloading feelings too and that way doesn’t (potentially) hurt others.
Hope you continue to be okay in this hellscape of a world we all find ourselves in currently.
