I was determined last night to not watch the election returns. To be honest…I didn’t want to know! It wasn’t that I was invested in any candidate or was apathetic. Mostly, I just wanted to relish the fact that we could get back to normal conversation, interesting and fun tweets and facebook posts. Let’s face it, the things that bring us together are far more fun and interesting than political banter or differing philosophies! I’d much rather read jokes, see cute pictures or well just about anything other than divisive rhetoric.
However, how did I spend my evening last night? Incessantly refreshing my twitter and impatiently searching for the election results even as my ‘planned distraction’ – – television, played on in the background.
Have you ever seen an accident happening?
You want to look away.
You don’t want to know what happens.
Yet, you are drawn to it and can’t help but watch.
That is how I felt last night!
Please don’t misconstrue, I’m not saying the election was a train wreck. What I am saying is that the feeling of wanting to turn away yet being unable to stop myself was the same.
This morning I have again watched my social media sites with a mix of horror and fascination. The cries and lamentations of those who were not victorious interspersed with the taunts of those who were.
Watching the process has made me think about ways we deal with life’s disappointments. And sadly, there are far too many in most of our lives. From job disappoints to family; from economic to social disappointment; from being disappointed with yourself to being disappointed in others.
Helen Keller said “We would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.”
Here are my three four steps for dealing with post-election disappointment (and other of life’s disappointments):
1. ACCEPT: I get it we all want to rail against the machine! We want to buy “I didn’t vote for __________” bumper-stickers and refuse to be an active participant. But the reality is that this action does nothing for your mental health. The healthier approach is to accept the situation and if possible find the commonalty and move forward.
2. PUT THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE: My friend Tony Mellencamp won his bid for Adams County Council last night, but as you’ll read in this article his win is but a footnote to his life. He almost lost his wife on the day of the primary. His wife Kaye shouldn’t be here (according to the experts)…..perspective!
It is easy with any disappointment to feel so overwhelmed that it seems as if the world might end. Yet, the reality is nothing is permanent. The sun will come out again.
3. GET BUSY: The longer you dwell on the disappointment the larger it seems. Get your hands working and your mind engaged. I recommend doing something for someone else…you really will feel better!
4. BE THANKFUL: The majority of the world doesn’t have the ability to go and vote. (I don’t feel the need to expound on this, but if you feel the need leave me a comment or offer to buy me coffee).
Whether your candidate won or lost last night, I still think you are awesome!
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