Over the past several days, I’ve had the privilege of speaking at post-election gatherings, discussing how we can increase empathy in a world that feels fractured after emotionally charged elections. While these discussions focused on moving forward together, I regret not dedicating enough time to a crucial aspect: self-empathy...and the profound impact it can have when we reconnect with our "why."
Your "why" is deeply personal yet profoundly universal. It’s that inner fire that propels you to rise in the morning, even when life feels like a storm. In the aftermath of elections, when the cacophony of external power struggles and megaphones of louder voices can make us feel powerless, it’s easy to lose sight of this. But the most powerful force for change isn’t found in institutions or political offices...it’s found within you.
Defining or redefining your purpose is more than a motivational platitude; it is a scientifically proven way to enhance mental health and foster resilience. Research has shown that individuals with a clear sense of purpose report lower levels of depression and anxiety, even in the face of adversity. A sense of purpose provides a psychological anchor, offering a lens through which challenges can be interpreted and overcome. It empowers us to find meaning in moments of difficulty, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Every four years, during election cycles, the focus shifts to external power dynamics. Policies and campaigns dominate our attention, and we often feel like our individual voices are drowned out. Yet history reminds us that true progress rarely unfolds in a straight line. Those who came before us, from suffragists to civil rights leaders, carried forward because they were grounded in their "why." They believed in something greater than the immediate challenges.
Election seasons can feel like emotional whirlwinds, leaving many exhausted and disheartened. This heightened anxiety often stems from feelings of powerlessness. However, shifting our focus from national narratives to personal and community action can be transformative. Engaging with local initiatives, such as school boards or neighborhood programs, empowers us to make a tangible impact. It allows us to reconnect with our values and contribute meaningfully to our surroundings, reinforcing our sense of agency and connection.
A sense of purpose provides a psychological anchor, offering a lens through which challenges can be interpreted and overcome.
In moments of doubt, it is essential to take the time to grieve and decompress. Grieve for the policies you hoped for but didn’t see materialize. Grieve for the division that feels insurmountable. Grieving is not a weakness...it’s a part of healing. And when the grief subsides, step away from the noise. Rest your mind and spirit, and give yourself the quiet necessary to process your emotions.
When you’re ready, gently guide yourself back to your why. Your creativity, expertise, joy, and faith remain undiminished by political winds. Your why fuels the small, everyday acts that ripple outward to create change. It’s in the kindness you extend to a stranger, the passion you bring to your work, and the love you pour into your community. These actions, though seemingly small, form the foundation of stronger, more united communities.
Reflect on what truly matters to you. Why do you strive? Who are you fighting for? What kind of world do you want to build? The answers to these questions will help you navigate moments of uncertainty and remind you of your agency.
Elections may shape our context, but they do not define our capacity to make an impact. If outcomes feel disappointing, let your why be your anchor. And when the world feels heavy, let your why be the spark that reignites your resolve. Grounded in our individual and collective whys, we can rise above challenges, hold systems accountable, and create a future defined by equity, justice, and love.
Stay grounded. Stay inspired. And never forget your why.
Sources:
American Psychological Association. (2024). Stress in America: 2024 Presidential Election Stress. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Purpose in life as a predictor of mortality across adulthood. Psychological Science, 25(7), 1482–1486. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797614531799
Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (1998). The contours of positive human health. Psychological Inquiry, 9(1), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327965pli0901_1
Nelson, S. K., Layous, K., Cole, S. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2016). Do unto others or treat yourself? The effects of prosocial and self-focused behavior on psychological flourishing. Emotion, 16(6), 850–861. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000178
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