Don't fear drowning. Even though it's a fearful time for many, take heart in the fact that millions are working every day to throw goodness into the universe. It's that goodness that will keep you afloat. Acting with kindness and empathy toward one another will buoy all of us. I know in my heart of hearts that this is true, even though in the day-to-day it is easily forgotten.
You undoubtedly know some people who are gasping for breath. The election results feel like a crushing weight on their chest for a myriad of personal and very real reasons. Their flight/fight responses have been triggered, and they are either cowering or swinging their fists. You also know people who feel bewildered at Democrats' reactions of despair and hopelessness. Such people may feel defensive because they are being characterized as racist, sexist, and more. Some of them may be lashing out.
It is nobody's business to question the authenticity of anyone's feelings. It is everybody's business to recognize the harm that comes from allowing despair, hopelessness, fear, frustration and aggression to be our dominant emotional states. Disagreement in these turbulent times is expected. Protesting, lobbying, boycotting, and organizing certainly is in order. But we need to make sure that our ire is directed at the right targets. Belittling behavior and condescending attitudes are a choice, and they rarely do anything to change the hearts and minds of our political adversaries/opponents. When we act in thoughtful and humanizing ways, however, we've got a better chance.
Half of America didn't vote last Tuesday. If we want the 2018 midterm elections to have a different outcome, being kind to one another is certainly a worthwhile place to start. We have to move past the us and them, and focus solely on the us.
We are neighbors. We are parents. We are colleagues. We are family. We are friends. We are in this together.
Go forth to protest, lobby, boycott, and organize. But in doing so, promise to treat each other well. Good begets more good. That is the gospel truth.