This week’s newsletter is short and sweet and coming to you on Monday with a dose of practicality and inspiration. I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a bit concerned for the state of our country (and that’s an understatement). I’ve been feeling stress, anxiety and having nightmares about the possible future outcome of tomorrow’s election.

While I prefer to be optimistic, I’m also practical and like to plan ahead (not quite prepper, but you get the idea). It can be difficult not to be pulled down into a pit of despair when major economic and geopolitical events have significant fallout. I like to figure out approaches that will help me feel more in control of my life.

Frankly, we’re likely to be facing a bit of sh*t show for the next few weeks (if not months) and I thought we could all benefit from some thoughtful strategies for how to manage ourselves in the face of what is likely to be some chaos and madness. So here are my thoughts ahead of Tuesday, to help you (and me) retain our composure in the face of potential insanity and unpredictability.

ELECTION ANXIETY-REDUCTION STRATEGIES

• Hold a positive vision. While it’s easy to get caught up in doom and gloom, whichever side of the aisle you sit on, decide what you want for our country. By holding an inspiring vision and clearly defining your values, you will have more clarity around the world you wish to create and why. Having this ideal (even if it feels unrealistic or outside the realm of possibility) can inspire you to remain hopeful. Know that there others (likely half the country) that share your perspective and want similar outcomes.
• Recognize what is within your control. As much as we want to change the world, in times of chaos, larger forces are at play. Figure out what is within your purview to act upon and what is beyond your capacity or access. You can engage in smaller, more manageable activities around the election that will feel empowering. For example, make sure to vote (if you haven’t already), write to your Senate and congressional representatives, donate to causes you believe in that align with your values or join organizations that are organizing for positive change. Maybe you have other ideas for how you can get involved locally within your community (I’d love to hear them, please reach out to share). Know that you are not helpless or alone, and your actions can make a difference.
• Put toxicity in a box. Choose how much negativity you allow into your space. You may wish to monitor and titrate your social and other media consumption to limit how much it impacts you. Find resources that you trust to ensure you are receiving reliable information and news that you believe is accurate and truthful, not fabricated. If family or friends have different perspectives on the election outcome, you may choose to respectfully limit those interactions for a short period. If they don’t understand why you don’t appreciate their gloating or aren’t interested in getting into a heated debate, that’s on them. You get to do you and set boundaries, whatever that may look like. Whether they understand or not isn’t your concern – hopefully time will heal any ruptures.
• Take care of yourself. Self-care may be needed on multiple levels. Monitor your energy and anxiety levels. When you feel overloaded or overwhelmed by negativity, make sure to step back and take a break. Process your feelings and try to release them. Journal, go for a walk in nature, punch a pillow or scream out loud if that’s accessible to you (if not, a silent scream can actually also feel empowering). Don’t let the heavy emotions build up or take you down. Your reactions are real and you are entitled to however you feel. Choose how you want to honor whatever is coming up for you. But please remember to deal and feel, rather than react and explode which can lead to aggression or shutdown and internalize which can cause depression. While those may be valid responses, you may also prioritize balance.
• Manage your energy. Check in with yourself to notice your overall state of mind and wellbeing. If you feel heaviness or become checked out, know that you are being impacted by external events and may be internalizing this (particularly for more sensitive and empathic folks). It’s important for you to return to your center, to source your truth from within. Grounding or earthing, both of which involve being in relation to nature, are practices that can keep you connected to the earth, so you don’t disconnect from yourself. Also, keep in mind the long view. This is a marathon, not a sprint and continuing to work towards the bigger picture and your vision is important.
• Find inner peace. Meditation, prayer and mindfulness are all ways to uncover more calm. One practice that has been calling me recently is the Metta Loving Kindness Meditation, which is a powerful way to be caring to ourselves, those we care about and even to our enemies. See the version I’ve shared below. I see it as an act of forgiveness, which we do for ourselves – to not carry around the weight of hatred in our hearts.

Be thoughtful, gentle and kind!

We can always choose how we want to show up – for ourselves and others. While the world can seem like an overwhelming, nasty and scary place at times, you can still choose love and caring over animosity and hatred.

The polarity we see is only helping to highlight the differences in our perspectives and how much work remains to bridge the gap in finding common ground. While this may feel depressing, also consider it an opportunity. We have so much to do to create the changes we desire.

Many of the political tactics we’re experiencing are designed to create separation and fear. Do not let those with ulterior motives and destructive intentions win. Come back to yourself and your truth. You know what is important. You can create the world you want to live in, even if that means one step forward, two steps back every once in a while. There’s a long game.

Since my crystal ball is in the shop, I don’t know how things will go down. My desire is to believe in the highest possible good for our country. That our shared interest in democracy and community will prevail. I just wanted you to know whatever outcome occurs, we can find a path forward that is more positive and inspiring. That is our opportunity – to continue to hold onto hopefulness.

Sending you and everyone in our country love and light.

To peace and justice,

Lenore