2016 Post-Election Blues? Be Heard By Surrounding Yourself With Likeminded People! by Stephen Dimmick

Because of the election results, I have struggled over the last 24 hours, dealing with the most volatile emotions - from anger to the utter depths of despair and fear. Love is something I’m finding very difficult to access at the moment so here I am - attempting to lift not only myself, but those around me who may be feeling lost in hopelessness and unworthiness. If there is one thing I have learned over my 48 years of living on this planet is that in order for us to be able to move into a space of love in such a difficult time is that we need and deserve to be heard. That our emotions are valid, no matter what those emotions are. 

The anger is not a belief I hold in my heart. It’s a feeling spurred on by having the safety and security of my life, family and friends threatened. Sometimes I’m very vocal on social media about it and sometimes I keep it to myself and sometimes I have just barely enough foresight to share it with those who will not judge me in my abject fear. Not everyone has the capability to just listen without judgement. I’m mostly met with "calm down" or "get back to love.” While I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, I walk away feeling unheard and that my feelings aren’t valid. 

I’m here to tell you that you ARE heard. That your feelings ARE valid - the good, the bad and the ugly. As a whole human, ugliness is part of me as much as love is. It’s through accepting all aspects of myself that I have the best chance at being the best person I can be. Never forget that your family reaches far beyond the four walls you call home. It’s in the hearts of those who think and feel just like you. Loving thy neighbor or family of origin does not mean they need to be in your life - whether in real time, out in the world or online. Today, I choose to walk on the very wide path with my brothers and sisters who seek the same life I seek, and I get to close the door on those who I do not align with. THANK YOU for giving me this space to get back to the path of rising up back to the space of love and compassion.

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