“Tune that news out. I really don’t know how you do it. It’s the same bs everyday,” exclaimed a nearby student as I watched live coverage of politicians voting on President Donald Trump’s nominee to the Supreme Court Justice, Brett Kavanaugh.
I immediately take out my headphones and hesitate to respond, “I don’t know. Maybe I’m still hopeful for things to change.”
I place my headphones back on only to space out from what is occurring in the news and in my reality. I daze off into the past and relive moments in political chaos where I’ve been devastated, yet hopeful. I see the many fights for justice and the many times we, the people, have lost. The political process isn’t fair. Decisions that are made are not fair. So why do I always expect a better response? Why do I continue to be hopeful?
A day later my phone buzzes, my New York Times alert of the day: Brett Kavanaugh sworn in after close Senate vote, ending clash with lasting fallout. My instagram stories are flooded with emotions and many are also filled with support. I am becoming more and more disheartened at the fact that Dr. Christine Ford’s truth was not enough. Dr. Ford’s bravery to go in front of the whole country to speak her truth and to still see this man placed in a powerful seat makes no sense. I think about all the stories that are shared: stories about sexual assault, about families breaking apart due to deportations, about police brutality and so forth…
The first time I learned how to lobby and advocate I am told to use my personal experience and story to influence my representative to vote a certain way. Imagine all the times that people are vulnerable and share their story. How empowered they feel. How empowered I feel. But at this moment I am feeling nothing and I personally think that is okay.
I take my friend’s advice, “Tune the news out.”
I suggest you do the same and more. Tuning the news out is one of many ways we can help ourselves, but you can also:
Surround yourself with positive friends.
Make a list of things that make you happy.
Listen to music.
Exercise.
Journal how you’re feeling.
Light up your favorite scented candles.
Celebrate your small and big triumphs.
Look back at what good has come about in the world.
Celebrate the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nadia Murad and Dr. Denis Mukege
We need to make sure we stay grounded. Many folks continue to fight this long and strenuous fight, and many continue to share their stories. I still believe that stories are powerful. I can’t wait to feel empowered again.