Today, scores of our friends and family members are struggling to find a way to digest the results of yesterday's presidential election. I had the chance to help some students process their feelings and regularly heard this experience likened to a test of blind faith; one of being driven down a winding backroad without any idea of the destination. Not a joyride to be certain.
So how do you navigate without knowing what's around the bend?
I offer what has worked for me in the past, in hopes that even a narrow glimmer of light shines through your way.
Start with the acknowledgement of whatever you're feeling at the moment: anger, frustration, fear, confusion, hurt, apathy, uncertainty, whatever - own it, but don't stay in it.
Talk it out. Maybe that's a conversation with yourself, a higher power, other friends and family members - talk through it to process those feelings (but don't stop there)
Remember what you have control over (and let go of what you don't), and
When you're ready to move forward I offer you two stories of hope from Ella Books;
Ella and One Tiny Thing: a story about the ripple effect and how one word, one action, one thought...can make a great impact
Ella and One Rough Day: a story about the power that lies in the word yet.
The world will keep spinning and we too will continue to progress; one day at a time, one step at a time, one conversation at a time...
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead