Election Anxiety at it's Finest.

So I know I'm a little bit late but...the election. What a WHIRLWIND. And by whirlwind I mean absolute disaster. This past year has been nothing short of insane. Although people on the internet often make jokes about how horrible 2020 has been, it truly has been so difficult for people all across the world. From climate crises to global pandemics to moral injustices and racial discrimination, the state of the United States especially is divided and honestly - scary. It's sad. It's stressful. It's unfair. I truly feel sorry for young people growing up in this political climate with such violence, anger, and hatred being spread and normalized. Now, I am young too. I have only really become politically aware in the past four or five years. I don't know what it was like before our current president but I do know it was not filled with the same divisions and polarization that it is now.

Now that the election has come and gone, a lot of pressing issues and genuine struggles have resurfaced. You might have seen people's true colors during difficult times. I just want you to know that you are not alone. A cliche phrase, I know. But it is so easy to feel alone. Especially if you are in a position of injustice or discrimination or anything else. I have become very aware of my privilege this past year so while I am not in the shoes of other people, I really try my best to empathize. I try to reflect on my actions and see how I can become a better person for others and myself. We truly need to come together during times like this. When our entire country is struggling. It is times like this that are crucial for change. I became involved in politics because I realized the role it plays in making change. I am an activist. I want to help people in need and there are BILLIONS of people in need and countless problems that need solving. At times it can get overwhelming. I encourage you all to take a look at your life. What are things you struggle with? What are things you are privileged to have and experience? Where are your struggles different from others? How can you help yourself? How can you help others? I understand feeling incapable of helping others when you can't even help yourself. Believe me I often still feel that. But maybe by working on yourself, you can eventually be of better help to others. We are all struggling. I hope you remember to lend yourself a hand so that you can lend someone else a hand as well.

I know this was all over the place and I know I may be sounding a bit contradictory. That's kind of where my head is right now - all over the place. This election certainly did not help my mental health. But as it has calmed down recently, I found it important to reflect. I am not okay. My feelings are valid. My struggles are real. I feel so deeply for the people across the country and the world who are struggling immensely. These people depend on the government changes that will hopefully come with a new president. I want to be an ally and an advocate for these people while also being my own advocate. It's okay if you can't be there for anyone but yourself. Take care of yourself and taking care of others will come naturally when you feel able. Change will come. I hope you know how valued you are. You are doing your best.