Post-Election Adversity And Boosting Resilience

We are now 5 days out from the election. The good news is that I feel more resilient and less hopeless this time. Sort of strange given that the threat is greater this time minus guardrails we had last time.

I think my brain is actually doing it’s best to use the ABCD model of resilience. First, there is the Adverse event and our Beliefs about what the event means. We react more based on the B that the A. And, I control the B not the A. So, if I see that I can resist and believe that democracy will prevail I have a different reaction than if my belief is that the US is now an autocracy-theocracy. The C or consequence of my belief is that I join groups and follow as more of an activist that a passivist. The D is disputing anything my brain tells me that says I am helpless, like catastrophizing or jumping to conclusions.

Broaden and Build Vs. Gloom and Doom

If the above paragraph sound preachy or like this is easy, that isn’t the intention. I am typing it to remind myself. I have some podcasts that are gloom and doom – and, while interesting, I need to limit those. I found one channel – MeidasTouch that I like because it seems more optimistic about the resistance. I like their Legal AF channel because there is a path to push back until midterms. The gloomers and doomers are saying there will be no more free and fair elections in our country. I think that is possible, but I also think that it is far from inevitable.

So, my strategy the past few days has been a mix of doing something I really enjoy – creating art for my Art from the Hartt business. I have been painting my handmade succulent planters as I listen to music or podcasts. It has helped to keep my brain more positive.

This brings me to positive psychology’s evidence-based Broaden and Build Theory that says we need something like 3 positives for every negative to broaden and build resources. If I allow my brain to start tracking too negatively, I turn up my body’s stress response and am less likely to be able to be resilient or see the big picture solutions. So, it’s important to focus on doing things that give us positive energy.

I look for those things that make me feel safe – like this Colorado emblem. I focused on painting my Colorado theme hippy van succulent planters to remind me all I am grateful for in my home state. Who are your heroes? Where do you find joy and meaning?

Look For Meaningful Ways to Advocate

At the same time, I watch for pages and channels to follow in my areas of passion for advocacy – like the Bears Ears National Monument (in the next county across State lines.) Women’s reproductive rights and diversity are other passion areas for me. What makes you passionate about democracy? Feeling like I have a voice in the pushback actually helps me elevate my own meaning in life.

Focus On What You Can Control: Make A Resilience Plan

I find myself thinking of the steps I need to take to stay resilient to the potential changes. Simple things: I want to buy a few more molds for the planters and gnomes that I make before for my art business before the tariffs hit. The molds I buy are from overseas because they just aren’t made here. On a larger scale: I have a looming decision on keeping my advanced practice nursing certification active (which means completing a lot of continuing ed requirements in the next year) in case I have to go back to work, which will happen if social security is cut. I will definitely keep my basic nursing license active.

In conclusion, I have talked about using the evidence-based ABCD model of resilience and Broaden and Build theory to bolster the ability to resist changes we feel do not support democratic values. Staying in a more optimistic mode will help your brain to identify opportunities for using your strengths to protect what you are most passionate about. Then, join with like-minded others to resist!

Share Your Resilience Plan: Let’s Form A Community!

I would love to hear from you about how you about steps you are taking to stay resilient as we face another Trump presidency. What are your favorite podcasts, pages, channels? What about self-care? We have to band together to share ideas and support one another. I appreciate all the likes, comments, and subscribes so that I can reach like-minded resilient people who are out there feeling isolated. We CAN do this!

END NOTE: I do want to add that after Obama’s first win in 2008, I had a friend whose candidate lost the election. That friend became a resister to Obama – joined the Tea Party, went to weekly meetings, etc. We worked together and acknowledged that it was all part of the democracy he fought to defend in his years of military service. I am not an insurrectionist – I believe in democracy. What about you?