It’s been a hard week. There’s so much to process and feel—it’s overwhelming at times. Yet community supports us.

This is a space where you can show up just as you are. I see you. I believe in you. We can move through the grief together…

Feel the feels

Likely, you feel a range of emotions: rage, sadness, disappointment, numbness, hurt, exhaustion. These are normal. They’re part of the grief cycle.

It’s important to feel these feelings. If you bypass them now, they’ll come back later.

Consider where you feel most supported. A walk in the woods. A friend’s living room. Snuggling with your pet.

In one of these spaces, let yourself feel. No need to force it—there’s no blueprint to follow—simply open up. See what happens. It all belongs.

This process takes time (it’s not a one and done). Be mindful of your experience the next few weeks. Grief may show up in surprising places. Again, it’s normal.

While your heart is tender, it’s okay to set boundaries. (You don’t have to “love everyone” right away.) Set boundaries with people, news, and social media.

Create a container for yourself, so you can begin to heal. You will return to love when you’re ready.

Shift from why to how

To distract from big emotions, you might get lost in thoughts. Yet spinning out in your mind doesn’t feel good—it creates tension and anxiety.

Notice if you’re asking “why..?” questions. For example, “Why did this happen?”

Shift your thinking to “how…?” questions. For example, “How will I take care of myself over the next four years?” or “How can I support the institutions I believe in?”

Why keeps you ruminating; how empowers you to make change.

Connect to core values

This hurts deeply because your core values were violated. The anger and sadness are guideposts to what matters most to you. Instead of gripping your pain, metabolize it by living from your values.

For example…

• Actively support organizations that align with your core values.

• Create regular, intentional community around your values. (A community can be you and one other person.)

• Look for good work currently being done in your area. Talk to others about this good work.

There’s so much that’s out of your control. Focus on your square footage of the world.

Do the good right in front of you. You make a unique contribution. Put your energy there.

To help with this process, I recorded a short meditation. Get as comfortable as you can and have a listen…