The day has finally arrived: Election Day. I know that the days and weeks leading up to the election are filled with anticipation, nerves, and for most, an almost unhealthy obsession with checking the news and updates. So far, 2020 has been a wild ride and throwing this election into the mix hasn’t calmed anyone. I know it’s been overwhelming at times for me, and I am SO ready for the random political calls and text messages to end as well. Please tell me I’m not the only one receiving those constantly.
Although election time is divisive, dramatic, and chaotic, I have always enjoyed and been proud to vote. I know some people feel like their vote won’t count or that nothing ever really changes in politics, but I disagree. The only way to know that your vote won’t count is if you don’t vote – that’s a one hundred percent guarantee.
I completed and dropped off my ballot locally on October 12th. When it comes to elections (or really anything), I am not a procrastinator. I have no idea how this election will turn out – I’ve certainly guessed wrong before – but at least I know that I exercised my civil liberty. I believe that everyone should be involved in shaping the laws and choosing the individuals who govern our country. To cast your vote is to make your choices known, share your voice, and participate in democracy.
I know that today (and the rest of the week) will bring some people joy and some people sadness. There will be celebrations and there will be disappointments. There will be friends and family members that may require some space. Thanksgiving dinner may be a little tense this year. I think we all will need to give ourselves moments to breathe, permission to turn off the news, and the option to swipe out of apps. In an already stressful world, take the time to look after yourself.
There is no doubt that elections are stressful, and I believe that the majority of us have felt the anxiety and stress building for months. In a never-ending news and social media cycle, I think it’s impossible to miss or silence all the political noise. Take walks, read a book, get off your phone, listen to music, exercise, revisit the early pandemic craze of bread baking – basically do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. There’s no shame in taking a break or admitting that you may need to change up your scenery or your conversation this week.
I plan on taking some beach walks, enjoying some red wine, sipping on a nightly cup of tea, and giving our cats extra snuggles in the next few days. If all else fails, there’s always those places where you can go break plates or throw axes – just kidding, sort of. There’s also a major bright side that everyone can agree on – the end of cheesy, negative, and theatrical candidate ads. Today and in the coming days, remember to be patient with and kind to yourself as emotions and stresses arise. As a last resort, it may not hurt to take a quick inventory of the ceramic objects in your kitchen – if you’re a couple plates short by the end of this week, I think everyone will understand.
