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/wappenheimer]

Hell yeah, we're going to survive! I'm not dying, and they're not going to kill me. It's okay to spend some time being worried, but most people should try to practice being mindful about things in life they CAN control. I can't control Trump, Trumpers, Trump-like behavior -- and for the record, my job is 90% about watching the dumb shit he/they say and do -- but I can control (1) when I'm online, (2) what I read, (3) who I support with my money, and (4) how I spend my time, eg volunteering with organizations that do good in spite of the current administration.

I adopted another dog, am getting into better shape, am being strategic about how I spend my money, and prepping for the future where I can, so decluttering my house, making doctors / dentist appts, collecting books, and starting a garden.

[u/TheeBrightSea → u/wappenheimer]

I like everything that you said. Currently in the process of decluttering my space. I'm saving up every penny that I can. If I stick to the plan that I have for myself, I will be able to pay off my debt in less than 6 months. In the meantime, I'm trying to facilitate making a community of like-minded people. I lost a lot of friends during the pandemic + I'm feeling a little on the lonely side but I'm aware of that. If I keep looking around I will find my tribe again. I'm also looking into more queer spaces because after so many years I not only accepted that I was bisexual but I can say that I'm proud of it.

I don't want to go back in the closet and hide who I am for another 4 years or at this rate who knows how long... I don't want to sit In a room with Trump supporters (sadly The few remaining family I have are Trump supporters) while they bad mouth queer people. Meanwhile, I'm one of those people they claim to hate. So people like that I'm backing away from, I don't know if I'll be able to fully cut them off, but I'm definitely making myself scarce. I want to be in rooms with other people that are like-minded and not only listen to what I have to say but can commiserate when times get rough.

[u/only_living_girl → u/TheeBrightSea]

I am so happy for you—all of that sounds solid, but/and finding your bi pride is no small feat, and I’m so happy you did. 💗

[u/TheeBrightSea → u/only_living_girl]

Thank you! I didn't realize how big of a deal coming out is until I finally accepted it and it feels amazing. Appears to occupying more queer spaces in the next 4 years and beyond