Let’s face it—it’s been a rough week, especially for those of us who had hope for change. It has taken me this long to put some thought on what I wanted to say. This short message is just the beginning of my personal healing, organizing, and fighting.
The day after the election, I cried most of the day as if I was mourning the death of a human. Slowly, I started to feel again, nurturing my body and spirit as I processed But what is it that we’re mourning? Is it the death of hope, of joy, of dreams? Or is it something deeper—a broken system that’s been failing those truly in need for a long time?
For many of us, this election wasn’t just about winning or losing; it triggered trauma rooted in our bones and histories. It's difficult to explain this to those who don’t want to hear how impactful this can be on our minds and bodies. The results have stirred memories and fears that go beyond political rivalry—they strike at the core of our worth and safety, especially for those that are survivors of abuse and harassment.
As Americans, we take pride in being a nation that values freedom and courage. However, many of us are feeling a lack of courage today due to rhetoric and actions that perpetuate negative narratives of inadequacy. Women and girls nationwide are experiencing pushback and fear, with individuals echoing harmful messages reminiscent of the misogynistic and abusive behavior displayed by a leader that was just elected to hold the most powerful position in the world. Women in leadership, including myself, are feeling familiar echos of the gender imbalance between a clearly qualified and strong woman and, well, a sexual predator and felon who's platform is built with bones of hate. This nightmare has reached our communities, prompting us to ponder: what steps should we take next?
Finding the solution can be difficult and should not be approached with anger or fear. Those are traits of the weak, and believe me...we are strong, so it is essential for us to use this time to heal and regroup. The day after the election, amidst feelings of sorrow, I realized that reacting impulsively was not the right course of action; instead, reflection was necessary. This sentiment was further reinforced when I participated in a yoga class at Mountain Rose, guided by Ana, the owner and instructor, who shared an excerpt from the book A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles" by Marianne Williamson. Yoga is a key component of my regular "Tool Box" for challenging times, and I urge all of you to start creating one now. (I have included my "Tool Box "below for inspiration).
“Darkness is merely the absence of light, and fear is merely the absence of love. We can’t get rid of darkness by hitting it with a baseball bat because there is nothing to hit. If we want to rid ourselves of darkness, we must turn on a light. Similarly, if we want to rid ourselves of fear, we cannot fight it; we must replace it with love.”
Therefore, there is no need to be afraid. Instead, let us combat darkness by shining the light that the world requires. This period of contemplation and illumination will create space for the unity and struggle ahead of us. Now, more than ever, it is essential for us to demonstrate love, bravery, and strength for ourselves and those around us.
Dana's Tool Box for Resilience
(Please note that I am not a therapist, and this list, although extensive, is not exhaustive and may not apply to everyone)
Drink that first cup of coffee outside. For those closest to me you know that this is a thing, even in the dead of winter. Starting the day this way helps to soothe the nervous system and feel connected to the world outside.
Make it a habit to journal every morning before checking social media.
Include the date
Write down how you are feeling
Recap of the previous day
Reflect on your emotions for the day and reasons behind them
Set focus for the day and the upcoming week
Remind yourself that your are exactly where you need to be at this moment
Move your body! Walk, run, bike, hike.....whatever it takes to get those endorphins going. Even if it's a crawl some days.
Make your bed every day, especially when you don't want to. For some reason even on the hardest days this helps me feel like I have accomplished something.
Music, music, music! Dance to it. Create it. Listen to It. Just involve music into your daily routine. At the very least a good dance around the house, even when others are watching, is always good for the soul.
Spend time outdoors surrounded by nature. This serves as a reminder that we are just a small part of something much greater than ourselves.
Nourish the body with healthy food and plenty of water.
Take a break from news and social media (although challenging, it is essential)
Connect with other individuals. Some days it may be as simple as sharing a cup of coffee at a local café or attending a yoga class. The key is to be in the company of other people.
Interact with like-minded individuals. This is crucial in the current climate. The aim is not to isolate ourselves in an echo chamber, but to calm our nervous systems. Feeling secure is vital for progress and remember....YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Interact with individuals that are NOT like-minded. Seek out individuals with whom you can have constructive conversations.
Challenge yourself physically and mentally every day. This is essential for building resilience. Let's face it, the road ahead may be long, but we are capable of overcoming it.
Empower yourself and the young women around you. I launched my coaching business with the purpose of empowering women in the outdoor industry, an area traditionally dominated by men and plagued by gender bias. Little did I know that we would find ourselves at this crucial juncture where teaching young women about their power is so vital. Educate yourself and seize every opportunity to uplift the women in your circle.
Find your guides. Nobody should have to shoulder hardships on an island. There are countless resources available to all of us. For me my guides (and yes, I realize I am VERY lucky to have access to these amazing humans) consist of my yoga instructors, massage therapist, unwavering partner, friends, sisters, soul sisters, family, physician, coach, acupuncturist, male allies, and others. They/we are are all out here ready to support you.
Replace the social media "doom scroll" with a book and/or podcasts. Unlike the rapid, distracting nature of social media, podcasts and reading books actively engage your brain by stimulating critical thinking, enhancing memory retention, improving focus, and fostering imagination through deep processing of information, essentially giving your brain a more focused workout and promoting cognitive development
Lean into your values. These are the bones that build our house. They ground us and root us and give us something to come back to when we get tossed off axis.
REST - While it may seem contradictory given the turmoil we may be experiencing, it is imperative for us to take moments to rest in order to present our best selves.
BREATHE - We will be ok
We are capable of overcoming unfathomable challenges and this time is no different. I am determined to shine brightly.
With Love and Brevity,
Dana
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