And so I wanted to continue on last week's theme, but on a brighter note (so stick with me, Friend).
First an observation. . .Many people seem to believe that this election is make-or-break for this country. And that America is a divided nation (which is seriously depressing because if we're so divided then how will one election save us?).
The good news is that none of this is true.
Are things perfect (even good)? Nope.
But it's important to have some perspective. . .
#1: We're in the midst of change (which isn't fun).
Our lives have been disrupted this year. And there's civil unrest.
Despite our tendency to romanticize historical periods of change, being inside of it isn't fun. Human beings like certainty (and order). All this disruption and change has triggered fear.
Just remember that fear lies. It makes you feel like things are worse than they really are.
Our world (and this country) has faced worse, weathered through it and thrived afterwards. It can do so again.
#2: Progress isn't linear (and human beings are imperfect).
People don't change their minds overnight. Progress sometimes doesn't stick and it's easy to get off-track.
This is obviously true for individuals, so what makes you think it's not true for an entire country?
Change (and progress) is messy. And no matter how much progress is made, there will always be a better future to strive for.
But that's okay (it's just part of the change process). Don't let it discourage you.
#3: We're not so divided.
Studies show that we aren't as divided as we think we are.
What's interesting is that the most 'informed' people have the biggest perception gaps (on both sides of the political spectrum). This makes sense given that the news media gets its ratings by going negative and ignoring the good news.
But quick warning: we will become divided if we continue to believe that we are (by making false assumptions, being suspicious of those with different beliefs and not allowing for a difference of opinions).
That's why it's so important to seek to connect with and understand people who hold differing opinions from you.
#4: No one (not even the President) controls your happiness.
Pre-cancer Heather would get depressed if the 'wrong' candidate won. But a funny thing happened along my cancer journey and. . .
I realized that no one person (certainly not the President or any other elected official) had that much power over me. . . Unless I gave it to him (or her).
#5: You can enjoy life regardless of who wins the Presidency.
No matter who wins the election you can continue to. . . love, be loved, enjoy the little things, make an impact and choose to be happy.
It's up to you (and only you) to do that.
XO,
Heather
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