First let me start off by saying I have never been into the whole election bit. I’m not sure if it’s because I do not feel I am adequately knowledgeable about this topic or it simply bores me, but one thing is for sure it is something I don’t believe in at all. It has always seemed to be some sketchy-dumbass thing to me. Now as an adult I can articulate that that “sketchy-dumbass thing” more than likely it is some hidden agenda and the false sense of democracy. I’m not here to bash voting and all else that comes with elections, I’m just not with it on a large scale. I would honestly prefer to vote on the local and state level, because I feel like that is where true change is made. Aside from that, change is within each of us.

I’m not going to lie, at first I felt so many different emotions when it was said that Donald J. Trump was our elected president. I was pissed off, because he has absolutely no experience! Just like the many memes floating around, how in the hell did he pull that (*oh media, people not believing and lots of money) when there are so many of us struggling to get entry-level jobs due to lack of experience. I was sad, maybe even a bit fearful. What does him being in office mean for diverse my family and friends? Then I thought about it. And thought about it some more during a long bath. And then I got upset that I was thinking about Trump and elections during my tub time! He is only a man. I do not need to fear him. On a more positive note, he may have some fresh ideas that may be useful (once you get over the bad hair and his crude persona and nasty mouth).

I’d never talked politics or followed an election as much as I have this go round. Unfortunately a majority of it was due to a class assignment, which isn’t totally a bad thing. I mean, I did have and listen in on some great dialogues in regards to this whole ordeal. At that moment, in my peaceful state in water, I decided to go back to my “regularly scheduled program”, which does not include elections or Donald Trump. I’d continue on in my path to achieving the things that I set out to. I’d continue helping others along the way any chance I could. I’d try (and now ever harder if need be) to spread positivity and love to others I come across.

I set out to mentally detox. Social media and the media in general will keep pushing these things into thought and in turn will stir up emotions and more. I’m not saying I will turn an eye on reality, but I have to protect my sanity. I am choosing to:

1. Spend less time on social media and t.v.
2. Spend more time doing things that truly make me happy (outdoorsy stuff &writing)
3. Engaging in more conversations with strangers and my peers
4. Spend more time self-educating and researching new things
5. Spend more time sharing with others, in general!
6. Exercising!

I’d love to hear what you are doing to “self-medicate” after this election, let me know in the comment section!

– Viola Constance