An open letter to those in fear after the election
If you’re scared, I want you to know that it’s ok to feel that way. No matter how many people tell you you’re overreacting or that fear is unnecessary, your fear is your experience and so it is valid.
Just as stigma shames mental illness sufferers into silence, it seems the political correctness movement may have smothered the voices of intolerance, but not the source of it. Our eyes are now open to what has been held in for a long time. As people with depression and anxiety know, what is held inside us grows stronger in the dark. And just like mental illness, talking about this and working through it is the only way to heal it.
Change is coming, and it doesn’t look like many of us thought it would, but change seldom does. When it comes, I want you to know that you won’t face any threats alone.
We, your brothers and sisters devoted to freedom, equality and peace, will stand with you. We will love you, hold you and fight for you if it comes to that.
Your fear is valid, but what you fear is not definite; our future is malleable by what we do with now.
We must continue to speak up, to cry out for equality and safety for all. And we must above all stay connected and fueled by Love.
Standing strong in Love does not mean passivity nor weakness. It is the ultimate strength.
When you feel attacked, stand strong and respond in Love for the future you hope to realize.
When they say you don’t deserve the right, exhale the hurt and speak your truth knowing the power in your heart is stronger than any anger or hate you’re dealt.
Act as if your children or future children were watching you. What example would you set for them?
I urge you, though you may feel injustice, to please not react from a place of fear. We cannot continue to separate further. The very intolerance we face was bred from fear. If we hand our power over to that darkness, we effectively abandon the cause that we're fighting for.
Now is the time to come together, try to understand each other and stand united as one force for Light.
Though you may be afraid, you are far from alone. We have not and will not desert you. The only way fear, hatred and anger will win is if you allow them to disconnect you from Love. It is your - and therefore OUR - source of invulnerable power.
Grieve, feel and then, stand back up with us. We’re going to need you.
Stay strong,
Amy
Join Kate Marolt and me every Monday in November for open discussions about courage, plus tools to help you bring more courage into your life! We'll be LIVE at 3:30 PM Pacific Time - please join us and bring your questions and thoughts. Meet you at the Strong Inside Out Facebook Page!