I’ll admit it: I’ve been in a lull since the election. I still have some big feelings. I’ve been avoiding the news because I don’t want to hear that felon’s name. I don’t want to know what he’s doing or planning. I don’t want to hear about the abysmal candidates he’s chosen that are likely going to be running the government and making changes I didn’t vote for and definitely don’t approve of. I don’t want to hear that whatever reasonable wing of the Republican Party that might be left are about to cave to MAGA pressure.
And I still can’t believe that half of America chose this. It’s going to take every ounce of willpower not to make “told you so” my default reaction when people are somehow surprised by what’s coming.
Man, I hope I’m wrong. Doing what I do for a living (I’m a psychologist – I study human behavior for a living), and having a pretty good memory of what happened last time we gave this guy access to nuclear codes, I don’t think I am.
A few weeks ago, I was changing up my music stations because I was reminiscing on days when politics wasn’t a blood sport. There’s something special about revisiting songs you listened to growing up. It takes only a few chords to unlock part of the brain that is associated with emotion and memory. It’s why listening to our favorite jams reduces our anxiety and blood pressure.
I’m maybe telling on myself here, but a Goo Goo Dolls song popped up for me that I haven’t heard in years. But it came right back to me, and it meant a little something different as I listened this time around:
And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days
That just… landed differently for me. I think it’s maybe what we all want. Just a chance that maybe we’ll find better days. Last time around with that guy, I got through it by telling myself I could get upset by things I couldn’t do anything about, or I could focus on my little corner of the universe and just do the best I can with things I do have control over. I suppose that’s what I’ll be doing this time, too.
And the one poor child that saved this world
And there’s 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them
I can worry about the people I help every day, like I would do any other day. I’m going to continue being the best human being I know how to be. I am going to be a good neighbor, even if my neighbor is flying a candidate flag I can’t stand. I’m going to focus on my family and my dog. I might grow some plants from seeds this year. I’m going to click off the news if it gets too upsetting and close my social media apps when I start getting annoyed. They want us to get upset so they can call us snowflakes again. The antagonizing, the meanness is the point. No thanks.
And you might start hearing more from me. Because as much as I’d love to go into a shell and live in hibernation until this is all over, democracy doesn’t work that way. Especially because I’m pretty sure that the other side is counting on that, that we’ll bury our heads when they attack free speech, freedom of the press, equal rights afforded to all Americans under the constitution, or our right to elect our next leaders in 2 years, which could again change the balance of power in our federal government. Don’t tell me that’s not the plan, or I’ll be telling you, “told you so.” So I’m going to be out here cheerleading you all to join me and get involved.
Which means we can’t shut down now. Every day we might just need to focus on what’s in our control. And there will be some things that are and some things that are not. What can you do in your corner of the universe today? Not just to take care of you and yours, but to get ready to help sway the balance of power back to something more balanced?
‘Cause tonight’s the night the world begins again
Every night, even if the day didn’t go well, we go to bed, we get up, and we do it again. Just for the chance that maybe we’ll find better days.
Tips and tricks that might help us all a little:
- Watch your media consumption. Know when you’ve had enough. Change it over to something that’s actually entertainment, or better yet, turn off the TV and try a new hobby, a new book, or take an extra walk with the dog.
- Similarly, watch your doom scrolling on social media apps. With no more fact-checking and unmonitored algorithms, you’re more likely to get scooped into a negative downward spiral of information and misinformation, and then the next thing you know you’re arguing with internet trolls. This serves no one. Back away. Gardening, puppies, and recipes are probably still ok, but stay out of the comments!
- Turn on some music that takes you back to simpler days. Have yourself a little dance party. Endorphins are good for you.
- Keep expectations in check. We know there are some things that are going to happen we’re not going to be happy with. Don’t get on the outrage train when it happens. It’s really hard to get off again. If we start getting involved and mobilizing now, we’ll be ready to flip some seats in the next 2 years. Don’t get mad. Get ready to get even. Seek out your favorite social-change organization and see how you can contribute.
- You know who will be equipped to fight unwanted changes? Lawyers. Here are a few reputable organizations that you can follow and support:
