Resilience

Last updated on November 20th, 2024 at 03:29 pm

Resilience, mental toughness, is needed at times like these. Some of us, after November 2024 election results have grappled with diverse emotions and strength of emotion. In truth, not all candidates or propositions reflected my values. Although I limited my input, television and social media; I did hear note musings of despair and fear. Some expressed “if you did not vote for my Candidate then we are no longer friends” or “I am leaving this country .” These reactions are honest and reflect the diverse levels of emotions and meaning we have attached to the results. We need time to take a deep dive into our emotions and identify the meaning we attribute to the circumstances.

Journaling is a valid self-care tool to get our thoughts down on paper. Journaling provides us the opportunity to compile our thoughts in one area and distance ourselves from the emotion. Re-reading what we wrote allows us to objectively understand our own thoughts. I encourage you to review your written work and take note of any limiting conclusions.

As you process your emotions and expectations behind current events, I propose that we perceive ourselves as part of a timeline in American history. Aspiring for equal rights has been part of the framework of our society. For example, in 1840, women began to write, lecture, and lobby for their right to vote in all states in the United States of America. It took nearly 100 years before the 19th Amendment was ratified in the 1920s. Women were not on the same page. Some wealthy Anglo-American women opposed the 19th Amendment because they feared their influence would be diluted, their roles would be overburdened, and the right to vote would lead to unhappiness at home. Sound familiar that women’s philosophies differed, and it was reflected in their vote?Most importantly, no woman who began to champion the cause saw the change in law. I will repeat that none of those who began the suffragette movement were present when the amendment was made into law. Does it mean that they gave up? Does it mean that they left the United States? They fought for their right and died before it was ratified. Ask yourself whether you expected circumstances to be easy and to remind yourself that our history is one of perseverance. Are you willing to give up now?

I urge you to consider where you are in history in the journey to represent what is equitable. Find the mental toughness to continue your resolve to bring about the change you want to see. Be resilient. Allow yourself the time you need to process your emotions and when you are able, find the resolve to stand for what you believe to be honorable. When you find yourself disappointed with today’s scenarios, also remind yourself that we share this country with those who reluctantly share power. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 blocked Asian immigrants from citizenship and voting. Native Americans were excluded from voting until the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 passed. However, it took twenty- four years before Arizona and New Mexico allowed their Native American citizens the right to vote and it took those in Utah thirty- three years to gain the right.

Lest you believe that our political heroes are one-dimensional and virtuous; keep in mind that Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton are associated with the Women’s Right To Vote movement. They entered the movement near when the 19th Amendment passed. They paid for their images and story to be in a book, History Of Women Suffrage. Although they knew payment excluded women involved in the movement; they did it anyway. Notable women of color; Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, also known as Zitkala-Sa, Adelina Otera Warren, and Mabel Lee, among others, contributed to the women’s right to vote movement, are found in history, and are not featured in the book.

Lastly, division is no stranger to our country. Race and gender divided the women’s rights movement from those behind the 15th Amendment, such as Frederick Douglass. The 15th Amendment would give African American men the right to vote, but it excluded women. Therefore, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B Anthony did not support the 15th Amendment and voted against it. The ladies thought that women should have the right before African American men. Imagine what could have happened had they been able to work together. Had you expected Candidates to be voted in because of their virtue? Or expected greater unity? Had you hoped that all American citizens would receive equal consideration? Take a look at American history and ask yourself why our generation would be different. Look within yourself for the resolve and determination to stand for the values you hold dear. Take note of where you are creating division and what benefits arise from division. Are there individuals for whom you expect perfection? Do they have a place in your life? I hope that you take time to process what you are feeling and make decisions that support a resilient you. You have the freedom to choose how you interact with the world. You are the author of your life’s story. Make it a story of triumph over adversity.