In these trying times, many of us feel overwhelmed by loss—loss of words, loss of hope, loss of faith. It’s a struggle; I feel a whirlwind of emotions—helplessness, anger, sadness, and fear. I’m devastated not just for myself, but for my children, especially those of color, and for all marginalized communities. My heart aches for my friends in the Muslim community and for all who face discrimination. I can’t help but feel horrified for every survivor of assault who now sees our leader as a reminder of their trauma—it’s appalling.
It might seem premature to seek the silver lining amid our sorrow. Perhaps we should allow ourselves to grieve. The stages of grief are not easily traversed and may linger for years. I’m uncertain if we can fully process the enormity of what has transpired, but we must strive to move forward.
We might find ourselves ensnared in anger or denial, reluctant to take a step forward, but it’s crucial that we attempt to rise above. Processing the upheaval in our nation and its implications for our children’s futures requires time, but we simply cannot afford to wait. We have a calling to respond.
It would be tempting to retreat, to hide from social media and the negativity that surrounds us, to wish for a long nap during these four years. However, we cannot afford to remain asleep at the wheel. We must awaken and confront the challenges ahead.
As a nation, we need to abandon those who thrive on hatred and instead unite in strength and compassion. We must come together—mothers, professionals, advocates, and educators—to forge a path forward. This presidency is particularly distressing for many, especially within marginalized communities, so it’s imperative that we extend our support. We must stand in solidarity with our Muslim Americans, amplify voices demanding “Black Lives Matter” and “Our body, our choice.” Contributing to these causes, if possible, is essential. We must look out for one another, listen, and ensure each other’s safety while modeling progressive values for our children.
I understand that these assertions may sound idealistic. In theory, it seems straightforward, yet in practice, it is a monumental task. If only I could conjure a magical solution for collective understanding! But alas, I am not a magician—I’m just a therapist. There’s a therapeutic concept known as “reframing.” This approach encourages us to view situations that initially seem negative from a new perspective, seeking the angle that reveals a more positive outcome. It may require effort and time, but it is achievable.
I am choosing to reframe my perspective now, as it appears to be the only option available. I invite you to join me in this endeavor. I refuse to allow the surrounding negativity to define my outlook. It is my responsibility to guide my children—where our new leader falters, I must step in to educate them, nurturing their hearts to stay open to love while also equipping them to face the harsh realities of the world.
But in my reframing, I will also acknowledge the beauty that exists in our world and the goodness found in people. I must recognize the strengths in those around me and lean on them, just as they lean on me. Together, we must reframe our narrative.
This is indeed a pivotal moment in our history. The question remains: where do we go from here? We move forward with love as our guiding principle. Regardless of who occupies the highest office, I refuse to be hardened by that reality. I will not let go of my belief in the inherent goodness of humanity. Together, we will rise to face these challenges. While hard lessons await us, we must maintain our hope.
I recognize that it may feel too soon to embrace this mindset. I understand the difficulty ahead. But we can do this—together. We must commit to this journey of reframing our outlook.
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In summary, it’s crucial that we confront our emotions, support one another, and work collectively toward a brighter future. The journey may be challenging, but by reframing our perspective, we can find strength and hope.