If you are anything like me, an election year can be both exciting and overly stressful. This particular election year has been hard, especially with the new directives and the candidates. I won’t be political with this post, nor will I try to convince you of what side, right or left is better, I more want to offer my tips in getting through this season.
I find that an election year can bring out the worst in individuals. There’s name calling, back biting and rude comments from politicians themselves, friends and family. Just turn on your tube or update Facebook and you’re sure to find personal opinions everywhere.
This election, I believe to be a critical election. There’s so much going on in our nation, and I find myself at times overwhelmed and wondering what both the conservatives and liberals are thinking. As a mother, I have children to look out for, and my vote will impact them maybe more than it will impact me. My actions are important.
I have found myself frustrated and infuriated so much throughout the last couple of months, I can’t wait for it all to be over. I can be opinionated myself, and it’s hard to not what to comment on everyone’s articles of newsfeeds. I’ve found myself losing hope and faith and not even wanting to vote.
I kind of feel like R in the above photo!! 😉
So I decided to share my ways of getting through this election year. I have had to use these all time and time again, and these tips are beginning to give me less anxiety and a little more hope.
- Prayer – It’s not in my control, and praying is the best remedy. When I find myself questioning “why” and “how” our country is doing what they are doing, I feel comfort in knowing that my God will never forsake me and remember that He says “Peace, be still and know that I am Lord.” Praying that our nation will have the truth and will have wisdom when visiting the polls is all I can do.
- Have Hope / Faith – Keep believing. I have to remember God’s promises and trust Him. Ultimately it’s our own choices, but thank goodness we serve a sovereign God that offers forgiveness and love whenever we need it. It’s hard to have faith in one man or woman running our country, but I have learned that God should be the only thing I have faith in, because He is never changing and a rock. People on the hand are ever changing.
- Turn off the News/ Get off Social Media – This one I need to be doing more of. The news depresses me and Facebook infuriates me. My poor husband has to listen to my rants day in and day out, so I have to take breaks from it all. I know we need to be informed, especially before we vote, but sometimes we need a breather from it all, because it can begin to cloud our judgment and makes us more angry than anything. It’s nice not having to read through others status updates regarding the election. Social media can be more harmful than helpful at times.
- Find the Positive / Be the Positive – With all the stories of hate, back biting and name calling, it’s easy to only see the worst in others and situations. What we need to do more of is find the positive. Look for those heart warming stories, or even in the little things happening around us. Recently at Costco, my child was admiring another little girls stuffed rabbit. Being a toddler she was vocal about wanting it. I distracted her from it, but long story short, the little girl came up to us before we left and gave the little bunny to R. Her little heart of giving was what I needed for the day, a reminder that not everyone is so cruel. We can be the positive too, by doing little selfless acts for anyone and everyone.Â
- Know When to Speak Up and Shut Up – There’s times to let your voice be heard, but then there’s times your voice won’t be heard. It’s a heart thing: when speaking from a heart of anger and frustration, you are less likely to be heard. Instead, when your heart is full of love, but yet stern it’s more likely to be heard. Don’t act like the rest of mainstream society with rude comments and remarks, instead know when it’s appropriate to voice your opinions and thoughts and do so from a place of love. I have learned I don’t have to accept everyone’s opinions, thoughts and actions, but I do have to love them. It’s hard but it’s the greatest commandment. We all need to have a VOICE!!
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
How do you survive an election year?