Here We Are. Again.
Processing Emotions Post-Election
Over the last week, I’ve been reaching out to those I care about, because sending love feels like the most productive, sensible, and positive use of energy right now. And that includes you - my readers and community. 💗
Beyond love, there are other enormous emotions that you are likely experiencing. It’s OK to saddle up with those for a bit. Here are some ways to support what you may be feeling:
If you are angry and need to physically process your outrage:
🙀 Scream into a pillow (sage advice from master coach James Flaherty)
😡 Visit a rage room (here’s some inspiration from Sex Education)
😓 Sweat it out and allow it to move through you – walk, run, dance, shake your limbs!
If you are overwhelmed and need to quiet the noise (internal or external):
⛔ Turn off those pesky, persistent media notifications
🌲 Find solace in nature
😌 Practice calming your mind with a guided meditation or retreat (Tara Brach is leading one themed Radical Love in These Times on Dec 7)
If you feel isolated or hopeless and need connection:
🤗 Hug a loved one (my daughter is getting plenty extra these days!)
⛑️ Volunteer with a local organization making a needed difference in people’s lives
💑🏾 Find an environment of togetherness (Natalie Lumpkin beautifully describes her Gather Black Women community as a space safe enough for the beauty of your soul to be seen ❤️)
If you feel motivated to fight, join a cause to protect and advance human rights:
🤎 To dismantle white supremacy and strengthen intersectional movements: The Southern Poverty Law Center
🏳️🌈 To advocate for LGBTQ+ justice, equity, and inclusion: PFLAG, and 🏳️⚧️ to safeguard and improve the lives of trans folks across the country: Advocates for Trans Equality
🧳 To protect and advocate for refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people: Refugee Council USA
✊ To secure and advance reproductive rights: Center for Reproductive Rights
👩👧 To push for affordable child care, paid family leave, and equal pay for moms: Moms First
Reach out and let me know what you are feeling and how you are managing.
And don’t forget to breathe.
With love,
Nicole