Election Reflections: Acknowledging Angst, Embracing Recovery

No matter where you stand on the results of the election, one truth remains: we are a nation grappling with a range of emotions. In every room, there are people who feel validated and hopeful—and those who feel vulnerable, disillusioned, or even afraid. The reality is that many of us are carrying emotions that we can’t just set aside, and the weight of this moment is undeniable.

Whether pleased with the outcome or not, we owe it to each other to recognize the humanity sitting to our left and our right. This election touched on issues that hit close to home, stirred deep convictions, and even resurfaced some painful truths. As I sit with my own feelings—my own mix of exhaustion, hope, and determination—I’m reminded that recovery isn’t just about moving on; it’s about moving through with honesty and courage.

In this spirit of bold, brilliant, badassery, I wanted to lead with my beliefs as I process this week's events.

💔 I believe in and respect the democratic process. But I also believe we have work to do to ensure it represents us all, fairly and equally.

⚖️ I believe if a woman or person of color had 34 felony convictions, they wouldn’t have a chance at running for office. There’s a hard truth here about who we hold to different standards and why.

👧🏽 I believe my daughters deserve more rights, not fewer, than I had at their age. This election left me questioning what rights they will inherit—and determined to keep fighting for a future they can thrive in.

💔 I believe we are a nation divided, not united, and I want that to change. Division weakens us. We’re at our best when we’re together.

💔 I believe the hate we’ve seen so openly is dangerous for any hope of a united nation. Hate is corrosive. It erodes our humanity and our collective spirit.

⚠️ I believe the rollback on DEI is a deprioritization of human-centered practices. This isn’t just about the workplace; it’s about valuing people, period.

💭 I believe several populations of Americans are afraid—not just for today, but for what lies ahead. Their fears are valid, and their voices matter.

🚨 I believe it may get worse before it gets better, and that’s a hard truth to face. This isn’t defeat; it’s a call to prepare, to persevere, and to stay grounded.

🤝 I believe in and am grateful for the power of community, even on the hardest days. Community reminds us that we’re not alone, and together, we can rebuild.

💬 I believe you have a right to your opinion, but equally I have a right to express mine. I’m too tired to be politically correct. If this message isn’t for you, please respectfully keep scrolling.

📣 I believe that using our voices is both a right and a powerful step toward healing. This week, I’m honoring those who stood firm on Election Day—those who asked for what they needed, spoke out for those who couldn’t, and advocated for those who needed a voice.

These voices spoke not only for themselves but for those who stay silent out of fear of repercussions and for communities who often feel unseen. They showed up boldly, unapologetically, and reminded us all of the importance of speaking our truth—even when it’s hard, even when it’s risky. In amplifying these voices, I hope we all remember that our truth has power and that our voices, united, can be a force for real change.

Top 10 Post-Election Reflections

1️⃣ Facing Hard Truths: Processing Election Pain 💡 Jawn Murray on Showing Up Despite Hardship 🗣️ Why it matters: Jawn Murray opens up about the difficulty of moving forward amid emotional weight. His post is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to keep showing up when the world feels heavy, and it encourages us to hold space for the pain others may be carrying.

2️⃣ Heartbreak as Fuel for Change 💡 Jessica Fahrenholtz on Using Pain as Motivation 🗣️ Why it matters: Jessica Fahrenholtz reflects on the heartache of seeing her daughters inherit a future with fewer rights, but uses it as fuel to inspire change. Her work promoting diversity initiatives is now more than a job—it’s a mission to create a future where every child has a seat at the table.

3️⃣ Standing With the LGBTQ+ Community 💡 Erin Uritus on Allyship and Solidarity 🗣️ Why it matters: Erin Uritus , CEO of Out & Equal, emphasizes the importance of standing with LGBTQ+ communities post-election. Her message is a call to be allies not just in words but in actions, reminding us of the powerful role community plays in creating safe spaces for all.

4️⃣ We Are Still Here, Living With Fear 💡 Arthur Chan on Commitment to Social Change 🗣️ Why it matters: Arthur Chan reflects on a difficult truth: many would rather vote against their own interests than support a Black woman president. He calls for resilience and solidarity, reminding us that we must confront bias head-on and stay connected to each other in the struggle for justice.

5️⃣ Election Results as a Catalyst 💡 Zoe Scaman on Addressing the Divide in America 🗣️ Why it matters: Zoe Scaman ’s post captures the harsh reality that our divisions run deeper than political parties. Her message goes beyond partisan divides, calling out the socioeconomic and educational differences that shape our perspectives and influence elections. Her call to action? To get honest about these divides and begin the work of real change.

6️⃣ Refusing to Accept the Rollback on DEI 💡 Stacey Gordon on the Stagnation of Progress 🗣️ Why it matters: Stacey A. Gordon, MBA ’s realistic take on the election aftermath serves as a reminder that DEI work is more crucial than ever. She speaks directly to the resilience needed to keep fighting for inclusion, especially when progress feels stagnant.

7️⃣ Racism on the Ballot: A Call for Awareness 💡 Tara Jaye Frank on Confronting Post-Election Racism 🗣️ Why it matters: Tara Jaye Frank calls out a harsh post-election reality: emboldened racism directed at Black students across the country. Her message serves as a wake-up call for leaders to actively address the energy this behavior brings into workplaces and communities.

8️⃣ Message to My Team: Resilience in Leadership 💡 Joelle Emerson on Navigating Tough Times as a Leader 🗣️ Why it matters: Joelle Emerson ’s message to her team emphasizes the importance of resilience and vulnerability in leadership. Her reflections encourage leaders to foster support and understanding, especially when their teams are carrying the weight of external events.

9️⃣ Raising the Next Generation of Leaders 💡 Kieran Snyder on Building Confidence in Young Girls 🗣️ Why it matters: Kieran Snyder ’s post emphasizes the importance of nurturing the next generation, especially young girls, to believe in themselves and take on leadership roles. Her message speaks to those invested in creating a future where gender equality and empowerment are the norm.

🔟 Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health 💡 The Trevor Project on Mental Health Resources Post-Election 🗣️ Why it matters: The Trevor Project ’s focus on mental health for LGBTQ+ youth reminds us that advocacy must go beyond politics and prioritize mental well-being. Their work is crucial in creating safe, supportive spaces for individuals navigating heightened levels of fear and anxiety.

Weekend Thought: Permission to Feel, Power to Rise

💡 Dwayne Cash on Embracing the Full Range of Emotions

Dwayne Cash ’s reminder couldn’t come at a better time: give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up today. In a world that pushes us to “move on” quickly, there’s power in slowing down, honoring what we feel, and sitting with it—whether that means talking through it or screaming if that’s what we need. Processing those feelings can be the first step in letting them go. Trust his message, You Gon' Be Alright.

💬 Community and Resilience: A Video Shared by Karlina Cerda

This inspiring video showcasing the Syncopated Ladies is a beautiful reminder of our ability to rise UP—together. The message is one of collective strength, reminding us that, even in the heaviest moments, community can lift us. It left me feeling grounded and hopeful, and I hope it does the same for you.

Here’s to finding strength and clarity this weekend—both within ourselves and through the communities that lift us.