Aftermath of the 2024 U.S. Election: Message for Lightworkers

“If we don’t show up tomorrow, it is entirely possible that we will not have the opportunity to cast a ballot again. America stands on the precipice of danger and those reluctant to vote for a presidential candidate risk relinquishing their control to an authoritarian regime.” - Oprah Winfrey, one day before the election.

Early Wednesday morning, on Novemver 6th, 2024, it was announced that Kamala Harris had lost the election. In response to that loss, understandably, many of her supporters are afraid.

​When malevolence has been empowered on the national stage, responding with fear makes sense. And when you hoped for a different outcome, then you've sustained a loss, and feelings of grief are inevitable.

But then you have to find a way to cope and to move forward, so that you don't implode. Today, I want to share my own response and how I'm coping.

First, this, though. If you're feeling fear right now, as you are reading this, I want you to take several slow, deep breaths before you continue reading.
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Remember: You will never be able to truly cancel out your fear. "There will always be fear, but it's important to remember that fear doesn't need to halt you," Raquel Martin, licensed clinical psychologist, told USA TODAY. "You can operate with a healthy level of fear."

What I'm Feeling
​& How I'm Coping

I'm experiencing both grief and fear since the election, and here is what I am doing about it...

​Giving myself as much love as I can and allowing love from the divine. One of the things I tell myself when I need to hear it (and now, am offering to you) is, "you are not alone. You are being tended to with love."

​Reminding myself that fear constricts, but love ripples and empowers. Fear dissolves you, but love dissolves fear.

Acknowledging that when malevolence has been empowered, fear is a normal human response. But positional power cannot take away true power - it can only be given away. And I'm going to do my best to hang on to mine.

​So my intention today (and for every tomorrow), in response to my own fear and grief is to sit with it, in and as love, and at the same time, offer those feelings to God.

​I’m also going to use other mindful practices such as meditation and deep breathing to brings me back to the present moment. My hope is that these small acts of self-care and connection to the divine will bring me peace even as I continue grieving.

​And by nurturing love, both for myself and others, I’m going to do my best to be the change I wish to see—a world where compassion and understanding prevail over fear and division.

​Here are some ideas for managing your own grief and fear...

Self-Care Practices for Managing Your Grief and Fear

​(1) Try to Connect with Nature: Nature has a grounding effect and may absorb some of your feelings as you experience it. I don't always get out in it, myself, but I find videos, and my own window view, to be powerful, too.

(2) Reach Out to those You Love: Talk to your friends and family and share what you’re feeling. You're not alone. And you can remind them that they're not alone. We’re going to need each other.
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(3) Mindfulness Practices: Make meditation, journaling, or mindfulness exercises part of your daily routine. These practices will get you back to the present moment and help to lessen feelings of overwhelm.
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(4) Limit Media Time: Stay aware of how much news and social media you consume. I know it’s important stay informed, but watch out for doomscrolling or overexposure, because that will probably make your anxiety worse. Protect yourself with boundaries to safeguard your wellbeing.
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(5) Get Professional Support if Needed: If your grief and fear feel too overwhelming, consider reaching out to a therapist or counselor. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.

I have a therapist, and I’m looking forward to  talking to her, so she can help me process my feelings about the election.

I also want to share a process I learned yesterday that I found really helpful.

The Two-Point Process

A friend of mine shared this video with me, and when I tried it, I felt better immediately. I don't know if it would be helpful to you, but I wanted to share it, in case you do find it helps.
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​As I come to the end of this post, I want to remind you that it's okay to feel what you're feeling, and you’re not alone. Stay connected to your sacred self, put self-care practices into place that will help you cope and reach out for help if and when you need it.
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Love, Jeanine