Election Day: Anxiety and Empowerment

I don't know about you, but I’m feeling ready for today- Election Day- to be over. In the spirit of not wishing my day away, I think it’s a good day for all of us to practice self-care. And, more than anything, it's important to remember that anxiety is not a cognitive defect: anxiety is our brain doing its job. It is, in a sense, our body’s way of lovingly telling us that we need to attend to some things to help us through a stressful time. And, when we listen to our body’s call, we can better figure out how to interpret, sit with, and care for ourselves when our system is on alert.

That looks different for everyone, especially on a day when so much is at stake for our country. I think the biggest thing to remember is that voting is not just our “responsibility” or “duty.” It’s meant to be empowering. Today-or whenever you cast your ballot- is all about making a choice. Whenever we actively choose something- as opposed to just mindlessly going through the motions- we are empowering ourselves.

So, today, in addition to taking extra care of yourself and addressing any anxiety you may feel, please make sure to vote. It's meant to be empowering, so check in with yourself. Do the people you’re voting for align with your sense of empowerment? Do the referendums you’re supporting or denying give you a sense of power? You’ll know. And, if you’re still undecided, don't be embarrassed. I’m here and willing to listen without judgment. It's not too late to participate in our democracy.

Whatever you do today, please do vote. I hope it makes you feel empowered in our large, often unwieldy, beautiful system.