I’m deeply disappointed with the election results. I’m fearful of what the next four years holds for the people of our country and of our world. And I’ll give myself a little time to process those feelings. But rather than allowing myself a movie binge or a defeatist wine party, today I remember that I do still have choices. I choose how to navigate this unwanted outcome. I invite you to consider these actions as choices for yourself.

1) Hold on to your core of good. The Daily Stoic post today reminds us that nothing changes about what is expected of each of us. “As a Stoic, It doesn’t matter if a tyrant or a philosopher king comes to power, it doesn’t matter if you yourself are the person who comes to power or if you have just been rendered powerless–you are still expected to be good. You are still expected to be a person of virtue.” Actively, reject the fear mongering, reject the hate-filled actions and policies. Resolve to maintain your goodness.

2) Offer space of refuge. Be the safe space where fellow humans can find connection, support, love and care. Organize at your local level—whether it be your workplace, your living room or your community center—take that uncomfortable step to invite people in. Be the person who is trusted to hold the shattered pieces of their hopes. Be the person who holds their hands. And through that act, know that you are being held, too.

3) Honor the brokenness and the repair. The Japanese pottery practice of kintsugi is an apt embodiment of this deep trauma. Like pottery that has been shattered and then repaired with gold, the aftermath of the election highlights our fractured country. Instead of dismissing our feelings or pretending the breaks never happened, we can honor the experience, acknowledging the cracks and the healing that follows. The process of coming back together, whether through community, renewed purpose, or thoughtful engagement, makes us stronger and more resilient. Embracing these "golden seams" in ourselves and our society can create a more authentic, united, and valuable future.

You will come back from this. We will do it together.