The Birth Of My Post-Election Resilience Blog

In July when I started this blog, I never envisioned it to become political in nature. But, here we are, two days post-election. I live in deep red MAGA country and own a local business, so I don’t like to talk about politics on social media.

A few days ago, I shared a blog on reproductive rights – my own experiences and perceptions as a nurse-midwife. It was that blog that got me thinking that this blog may be a safe place to talk about political issues as they relate to resilience.

Democracy’s Resilience Depends On Our Resilience

Yesterday was hard. Weirdly, not as hard as in 2016. I have always had concerns about Donald Trump’s potential influence on democracy. Just a gut-punch intuition. But, in 2016, I never dreamed he could actually win. So, when he did, I was underprepared. I cried for days, got depressed, my thyroid levels even bounced due to the stress. It took weeks or months to find my resilience.

This time, I feel more prepared. That is not to say that Trump isn’t a potentially larger threat this time things like Project 2025. It’s that I am actively choosing a different reaction to the threat. I’m doing what Kamala and Joe have advised – I am staying engaged! (I was so looking forward to muting politics after the election – but it’s time to wake up, not snooze.) Democracy’s resilience depends on our resilience!!!

My Small Steps To Post-Election Resilience: Day 1

Today, day 2, is better than yesterday. We know that we humans return to baseline happiness within 120 days of either horrible or wonderful events in our life. Each day, things get more normal. By March 7th, when spring comes, the world will feel less like the Twilight Zone.

What actions am I taking? Well yesterday I purchased a book called : What Will You Do If Trump Wins? by Daniel Hunter. It’s been in my cart for a few weeks, because my gut told me then I needed to get real about planning. They have an interactive website to help you figure out which steps you take based on what is happening – and what resonates with you. I decided it fit with my curiosity strength and it would make me feel less isolated. I’ll be sharing more about the book once I receive it.

I’ve also been in close touch with my daughter via text. This has been rough for her because she very much wanted Kamala to win, as did my granddaughter. On the positive side, the election and the aftermath have helped us rebuild our relationship. Resilience comes from nurturing connections and so the upside is that adversity can be a relationship builder.

Day 2: Exploring Where I Fit

Today, I joined a zoom call for the Center for Reproductive Rights. I really want to find a niche to volunteer related to women’s health rights. I am still exploring options. There is no real opportunity for volunteering there – but I really enjoyed the call and hearing how powerful they are.

What I hear are a lot of wise voices saying that getting involved in civic organizations that have the power to push back is what we need to do. I had a gut about it because I grew up in the turbulent 60s. We are the guardrails of democracy, but we have to be active. If Trump is authoritarian then civic organizations could be threatened – but if they are strong, they are part of the balance of power. They get strong when we get involved.

Share You Own Steps To Post-Election Resilience!

I’m sure that I am not the only one exploring how to get involved and use my strengths to strengthen democracy. I would love to see a list of the best organizations to get involved with to help people to find a path – maybe it exists. For today, I would like to ask people to comment with what you are doing on your path to post-election resilience? I welcome people to post ideas about organizations to become involved with that have the power to push back.

Also – are there any plans for peaceful marches around inauguration day? Remember the women’s marches in 2017? I went to one and got a pussy hat!!! I haven’t heard any plans announced for things like that across the country so please post if you hear of anything.