So… what a week! I’m trying to stay positive, but it sure is hard!
It’s probably no surprise that I’m dismayed by this week’s election results. I’m a moderate, which means everybody disagrees with me to some extent. But since 2010, the Republican Party has been rejecting centrism more and more, while the Democratic Party moves back and forth on the spectrum. This cycle, I didn’t vote for a single Republican – but most voters did. Most voters supported a second Trump presidency. I don’t like it, and it makes me real worried.
At the same time, it’s not the only thing on my mind this week. Despite having serious concerns about the state of the world, I still find myself thinking about less grandiose things too. I enjoy some poutine at my workplace cafeteria. I debate whether or not I’m ready to date again. Hell, I got home a couple hours ago from an improv show where I was laughing like there’s no tomorrow! In writing this reflection, I’m trying to reconcile the big things and the small. How can we still enjoy life while worrying about bigger things than ourselves?
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First, let’s list out some of my large-scale concerns. I’m very concerned about our national security and our role on the national stage under the incoming administration. Our backing of Ukraine will presumably be diminished; this, in my eyes, amounts to appeasement of Russia – one of our greatest enemies today. British appeasement in the 1930s didn’t stop Germany from annexing other nations, and I doubt it would stop Russia now. Isolationism is hugely dangerous. U.S. cybersecurity is also a major issue right now among national security circles, and based on Trump’s policies during his first term, I doubt it’ll be a top priority going forward either. (To be fair, neither party is doing much about this – it’s not a sexy issue to campaign on.)
Other major concerns: the economy and the judicial system. I shouldn’t say much about the economy given my job, but tariffs are a bad idea in the long-term. As for the judicial system, need I say much more? At least two Supreme Court justices likely to retire, plus who knows how many district court and appellate court judges. If Trump’s appointees on the Fifth Circuit are any indication, then the courts will only get more politicized.
But here’s the thing: what can I do to prevent all this from happening? Nothing! I already voted, and that didn’t work this time around. I’ll obviously keep thinking about it all, reading the news, and wishing it were different. But I think it’s important to know your limits. If I can’t change things, then I shouldn’t let them burn me from the inside out.
Hence, why I’m still doing other things and thinking about my life rather than the state of the nation. Some folks can devote their entire selves to important, high-impact work. Me? I need to have choir rehearsals, and camaraderie, and walks along the river. And especially in my line of work, I can take solace in the fact that I already spend 40 hours a week helping people on a large (if very specific) scale.
I’ll end with a final thought on how to prevent a repeat of this in 2026, 2028, and beyond. I think the most important thing is conversation and connection. The average person is dug in on their opinions, and having lived in farm country and a liberal arts campus, I know the different forms that can take. You can’t change hearts and minds by saying, “You’re wrong,” or “You’re sexist,” or “You hate this country.” I think you have to say, “I know you love America, and so do I, which is why I believe x. What do you think?” It’s hard and uncomfortable, but I really do think it’s important.
Take care of yourself! If you’re worried about our future, like I am, allow yourself to be worried. But also allow yourself to appreciate the other parts of life. We all vote on the president of the United States, but you’re the president of your own little world.
p.s. If you’d like, tell me… what’s your biggest non-political concern right now? What’s the thing you’re most looking forward to?