This election has challenged us to see beyond the traditional notion of voting for the lesser evil. Some voted to break from the familiar narrative, exploring ideas once considered fringe. Others voted based on feelings and media-driven assertions. Many felt caught in the middle, divided by uncertainties. Like them, I navigated relationships with people from all backgrounds and political beliefs, each shaped by perspectives—true or false in the eyes of others—that fuel this continuum of confusion. I’ve sought guidance from God and, though I avoid television, trust my gut as that assimilates our experiences more than what our brain cannot, as the stomach has been studied to be understood as our second brain. There’s a sense that administration after administration has been steered by a controlled narrative leading us into wars based on false pretenses. Friends among my circle also express doubt, wondering if the upcoming administration is s ruse fueled by controlled opposition and bait-switch tactic on a census of our digital meta / foot-print.
I learned that an administration’s actions can feel like puppetry, while people mimic what they hear with an appeal to authority, whether perceived as corrupt or not. Advising this new administration should invite thoughtful, respectful feedback rather than division in hostile tones as a democratic republic. As citizens, our civil duty and responsibilities begin after the voting booth on Election day.
The answer to fear-mongering lies in a simple principle: when we’re faced with confusion and division, we must respond with kindness, resolving our emotional struggles internally rather than allowing them to shape our outward actions.
This reflection awakened me to the idea that the “monsters” I felt were chasing me—figuratively speaking—were actually guiding me on a path toward seeking truth. They were not chasing me, rather they were running with me.
My father, who passed away this month last year, left me with many valuable insights. The one that resonates most and is also scribe on his epitaph reads: “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open,” a quote my dad emphasized from his favorite artist Frank Zappa.
The best way to bridge the gap in a divided society is to show kindness to one another, regardless of our differences in understanding. Truth-seeking doesn’t force its views upon others; it evolves by setting a respectful, kind example to all regardless of their beliefs. Receptiveness is and always been fueled with mutual respect. Without that, we have nothing to live for but to be busy in the fight among each other.
