With this year being a huge election year (with one of the most racists candidates running for presidency in history) it can be easy to feel unheard and disrespected. After all, we’ve elected a man in office who brags of grabbing women by the pussies and referring to citizens of third world countries as being from shitholes. And even if you don’t agree that Mexican’s are all rapists and murders, it is important to recognize that we are surrounded by people who do and that just really… hurts…
And while we hope that you will do all that you can to exercise your voice during this election, it’s still hard to hear controversial matters such as same-sex marriage and abortions being discussed in ways that are offensive, while leaving many people to feel invisible.
Here are some tips to get you through this election year with some level of sanity left.
Validate yourself. Unfortunately, people will not always say or think the way you want them to. Even when their opinions offend you, they’re entitled to them. It’s sad that people with shallow opinions can become very powerful and essentially have the ability to make decisions for you, but just because someone in power sees you as invisible, does not mean it’s true. Just because people can’t see your worth, doesn’t mean you’re less valuable.
Focus on your win. We, as a society, have a long way to go, but we have made progress. Celebrate the knowledge of the efforts that are being made to make our society more politically correct and seek validation in knowing that your voice is being heard, even if you are not the one speaking the loudest.
Educate yourself. Just because it’s written in a book, doesn’t mean that it’s true. Learn to be able to think critically for yourself, and don’t feel pressure to accept whatever somebody else tells you, especially when you know differently. Also, never underestimate your ability to do something about the society that you live in, especially when you don’t like your surroundings.
Take control of your own self-care, whether it means going for a walk, watching a movie, or having lunch with a friend. By being in control of how you feel, regardless of political issues that consistently overlook you, you will be able to take back the control of your life, irrespective of what’s going on around you.
It’s hard to feel supported when the issues that are important to you become so politicized. If you need someone to talk to, we are here to help. Please schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
