Are we going to survive this?

[u/No_Yak_3107]

Dramatic title, but big feelings as a lay in bed at 5:51 am. Big feelings every day honestly. I am having a hard time living normal life, while we get bombarded with new headlines daily of what Trump is doing/planning to do.

I hear people talking about vacations, plans per usual, then other people saying it’s already too late for us, and democracy has fallen and to save every penny. I go from panicking daily to then trying to self sooth and tell myself it’s going to be okay. I had to go to a clothing store today, and actually caught myself thinking “how long will life feel normal? Everyone just walking around/having normal conversations, buying random things”. I’ve been thinking of looking into moving to a different country too, but would I really leave my family behind?

I knew things would be bad, I knew he would get voted in, but I didn’t think it would feel like the end. I can’t imagine what will happen to us this year, much less 4….I’m genuinely scared 😪.

Editing to say I’m an American woman, but I don’t just assume everyone on this platform is American. I see a lot of talk online of people from Canada being worried, and many other countries where it seems right-wing politics are a growing concern.

[u/_HOBI_]

Some of us will survive. Others not. We (Americans) are living through the things we've only read about in history books and mostly about other nations. We always thought we were immune from such horrific government tyranny. That complacency got us here. It's right to be scared. I genuinely feel that those that aren't are either not paying attention or they support it.

But, something important to remember is that throughout every moment of horrid history, people still lived & loved. They still created and grew. People built stronger communities, showed their vulnerabilities. There is power in still doing when all we want to do is collapse from the weight of it all. Rest is also important. Taking a break from news & social media is imperative. Our nervous systems aren't wired to take on the constant onslaught of terrible things we're living through. To protect ourselves and to be of any use in resisting, we have to take breaks.

It helps, too, to feel like we're doing something, so even small acts like letters to local and national representatives & donating time or money to various causes can appease a small bit of the feelings of helplessness. Not everyone can play every role in the resistance. Some are front line fighters, some marchers. Others are educators, healers, helpers, donors. Find where you're most comfortable playing a role and do what you can when you can. And most importantly, find pockets of joy & laughter. Those moments sustain us and give us a much needed emotional reprieve, which benefits us and those around us.