With the new inauguration of President Donald Trump, (yes he is our president no matter how difficult it is to say), we need to understand that there will be changes and we may not all agree with the changes. The truth of the matter is that life still goes on. We still go to work, we still attend our classes and we still carry on with our own dreams and responsibilities. I am hopeful that our president will be successful because if he fails, then our country fails. Now I would like to stay in a country where I can still make my own decisions and live my own life without such things as gender and class affect me. But enough of this strife, if you really are worked up about this election here are things we could do that could make life better. Maybe you are already accomplishing them, but here is a quick reminder.
1. Go to Work and Enjoy Yourself
People are honestly getting worked up on items having to do with Trump. But if you are going to sit at home, be upset and throw a tantrum, what is that really doing? Who are we helping? Instead of laying in bed being upset over what you can change anymore, go to work, talk with your colleagues, and do your very best you can at your job. Excel, make changes in YOUR own life. Talk about the changes in 2017, but don't try to sit there and boost yourself up because you looked up facts on google. Everyone has an opinion and thats what makes our country unique and a place many people want to live.
2. Drink a Cup of Tea and Read.
While you may be thinking that how is this going to solve anything, maybe relax and read up on what you could do to help your community make a difference in the world around you.Sometimes it is good to unplug from the negativity of social media and just listen to music and pick up a good book, Maybe we can start up a book club and talk about gothic literature and drink cinnamon tea, but that is just me....
Anyway, don't be afraid to take time to be on your own, let the feelings sink in and just unplug from social media. Even if only for an hour.
3. Go to School and Engage
When I was in college (I sound old already....) and it was announced that Trump was elected president, a few of my professors actually took time out of our scheduled lectures to talk about how we felt about the election. When the discussion became heated, we took a step back and reflected on why such reactions from the debate arisen. Talking within a classroom or other professional setting is a healthy way to let our opinions out and actually have a healthy discussion on other viewpoints and explore them. Maybe we should talk about this face to face instead of using Facebook as a way to put people down for their opinions. We should be acting like adults instead of going backwards.
4. Go for a Walk
Following up with my previous point, when items do get heated up when you are discussing your opinions and if you feel like you are going to say something you may regret, or just need a stroll, then do it. Its better to walk away than get heated up and say something that may be regretful and you will hate yourself for saying. I wish I would have done this at some points with other arguments as well. Speaking from experience, its not worth losing a friend or family member over because of one or a few differences. Just ask yourself this question: "Is this worth it?" Then act. Remember, think before acting.
5. Remember.... Less Judgement, less problems.
I think we all need a reminder that while we do have judgements of our own, we need to respect what others think of us. We need to be understanding because to various people, they are scared for their lives. Because they may be of a different race, a different skin color, they fear for their rights. Everyone has a different scenario, and everyone has their own opinion for a reason. So instead of getting upset because of a different opinion and go storming off like a juvenial or inviting people into their problems via social media, we need to STAND TOGETHER! Not start another civil war.
