When my daughter was born on the first of November, I had no idea that my maternity leave would coincide with the upheaval of a contentious election and the subsequent inauguration of a president whose policies stirred widespread debate.
In those early weeks at home, cradling my newborn, I often found myself torn between staying informed about the world and protecting my mental well-being to fully embrace this fleeting time with my child. It felt like watching a train wreck unfold on the news; I couldn’t look away, despite wanting to shield myself from the negativity. I noticed the emotional toll this election was taking on my friends and family, with anxiety and fear echoing through my social circles.
Many of my acquaintances chose to step back from social media, declaring a need for silence amidst the chaos. At one point, I considered doing the same—taking a break to focus on my family rather than the distressing headlines and inflammatory social media posts. However, a powerful realization stopped me.
A common question lingered in the air: “What can I do?” After the election, many felt a sense of helplessness, as if the future was written in stone. Yet, despite the negativity, I saw something beautiful emerging. My social media feeds were filled with inspiring stories and actions from people I admire.
There’s Sarah, a former classmate who, as an architect, is designing schools for children in underserved communities. Then there’s Jason, a supportive advocate for his child who identifies as transgender. I’m inspired by my cousin, who has established a community group in her city to help Syrian refugees learn English and integrate into society. And let’s not forget my friend Anna, a hospice nurse, whose reflections on her work remind us of the profound beauty in caring for others.
Beyond those actively engaged in advocacy, I also cherish the everyday moments shared by friends—photos capturing milestones in their children’s lives, demonstrating the hard work of raising compassionate human beings. This is why I chose to stay connected.
Each time I log in, I’m uplifted by the radical and everyday acts of kindness and resilience that people are undertaking to create a better world, regardless of political climates. These are individuals who recognize the existence of systemic issues and actively work against them, ensuring that they are part of the solution.
As women, we faced a harsh reality when the hope for progress seemed to shatter. However, our history has shown us that we are resilient fighters. We continue to do important work in our own communities, day by day. So, the next time you contemplate disconnecting, think about sharing more. Share your experiences, your victories, and your connections, because I crave the inspiration that fuels my belief in humanity, one post at a time.
For more insights on navigating the journey of motherhood and fertility, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility from ACOG. If you’re interested in home insemination, you might also find this guide from Make A Mom particularly helpful. For additional information, visit our other blog post about the importance of awareness during these times.
Summary:
Social media serves as a vital tool for connection and inspiration, especially during challenging times. Rather than retreating from the online space, engaging with supportive communities can foster resilience and hope. Celebrating the efforts of those around us—whether through activism or everyday parenting—reminds us of the good in the world and strengthens our resolve to make a positive impact.