Many of us are grappling with a profound sense of loss right now — a loss of words, hope, optimism, and faith. I share in the feelings of helplessness, outrage, and sadness. My heart aches not just for myself, but for my children, especially my children of color, and for all marginalized communities. I feel a deep sorrow for my friends who practice Islam, and for every survivor of sexual assault who must confront the reality of a leader who embodies their trauma. I am deeply troubled.
It may seem premature to seek out the silver lining in this moment. Perhaps we should allow ourselves some time to grieve. The process of grief is complex and often lengthy, and I doubt we will completely navigate it in the coming four years. However, we must make the effort.
We might feel immobilized by anger or enveloped in sadness, yet we must strive to move forward. We need time to comprehend what has unfolded in our country and the implications for our children’s futures. Unfortunately, time is a luxury we cannot afford because our work is urgent.
As tempting as it is to retreat and hide from social media and the painful realities of the world around us, we cannot afford that. We must awaken to the challenges we face as a nation. It is time for us to rise together, united in strength and compassion. We need to form alliances across our diverse communities — as mothers, professionals, advocates, and educators — and continue to push forward.
This presidency has been traumatic for many, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. We must actively support our Muslim American neighbors. We need to be vocal allies, continuing to proclaim that “Black Lives Matter,” “Native Lives Matter,” and that “Our bodies, our choices” are fundamental rights. If we are able, we should contribute to these causes financially. We must look out for one another and ensure our collective safety. It is vital that we model progressive values for our children.
I understand that this sounds idealistic, and it is much easier said than done. I wish I could magically create a united front, but as a doctor, I know that change often requires hard work and persistence. In my field, we utilize a concept called “reframing” — a technique that allows us to view a challenging situation from a new perspective, seeking the most constructive outcomes. It is not always simple, but it is achievable.
I am consciously choosing to reframe my perspective now, as I feel it is essential. I challenge you to do the same. I refuse to propagate the negativity that surrounds us. I must nurture my children’s hearts to be both compassionate and resilient because the world can be harsh.
While reframing, I also want to acknowledge the beauty that exists around us and the goodness in people. It’s essential to recognize the strengths of those in our community. We must lean on each other and embrace this moment of transformation.
This is a crucial time for us. The question is not where we stand but where we go from here. We must continue to advance, spreading love and hope regardless of the political climate. I will not allow a leader who embodies hatred to harden my spirit. I believe in the goodness of this world, and together we can navigate through these trying times. There are lessons to learn, but we must remain hopeful.
I know it feels overwhelming. I know the path ahead is difficult. But together, we can overcome.
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Summary:
In light of current challenges, it’s essential for us as a nation to reframe our perspectives and unite in love and strength. We must support one another, especially those from marginalized communities, and continue to advocate for justice and equality. Together, we can navigate through these turbulent times with hope and resilience.