The Hit List - Election triage

Every election year, my office resembles a MASH unit.

Sad emails. Fearful phone calls. The walking wounded show up in droves.

I keep lots of tissues handy.

It doesn’t matter who wins. The other side wants to talk to someone like me because they want to know if their world is coming to an end. In some cases, the news ain’t good. But most often the message is the same:

You will go on. Because you have to.

There are mouths to feed, things to do, work that must be done. Not just for yourself but also for your country.

Go ahead and cry, rage, rant if you must. DO IT. Do not swallow those feelings. Own them. They are valid and there is nothing wrong with wanting to vent (tarot readers are remarkably good listeners). Let it all out.

And then, if you feel that you cannot stomach the years ahead, do something about it.

Give to causes you believe in.

Protest. March in the streets, write, sign petitions, get your voice out there.

Listen. Yes, even listen to the stuff you don’t like. You’ll learn.

Support your community – especially poor folks, people of color, LGBTQ peeps or anyone who may be vulnerable. They need allies.

Vote with your wallet. Put your money where your mouth is by shopping at businesses that are aligned with your belief system. (Psst…no matter what side you’re on, do patronize small businesses…they are good for the economy.)

Most importantly: become the agent of change. Get involved on the local level. Run for office or support those you like. Invest time, money, and energy in campaigns that you believe in. When you get physically involved, you create the possibility for change from the inside out.

None of it is simple.

But we have to find a way to coexist and to evolve.

We must.

And for those on the “winning” side, I always offer this advice: be kind and decent. You’ve won. No need to be a shit about it. Reach out across the table and don’t diminish people’s real, valid fears (even if they are not valid to you, they are important to the other person).

Be gracious in winning. It’s classy.

Look, no matter what, the world keeps turning and we keep on. Progress may stall, go backwards, or charge full speed ahead. Our job here is to find a way to work with that energy and to try and be better, not bitter. We must never lose hope.

This week, I’ve already been in clean up mode on my end. In a few years, I’ll be back at it again. No matter who “wins”, the other side needs healing – and I’m here for that.

The sun always rises.

Other stuff:

Parents: how to talk to your kids about Donald Trump’s win.

Women are in a big hurry to get IUDs now.

Excellent tarot writing over at Little Red Tarot as always. Check out the latest installment in the Queering The Tarot series by Cassandra Snow.

RIP Leonard Cohen.

About time: black female NASA engineers are getting their long overdue recognition.

Wisdom from Tanya Geisler: Everything’s a teacher.

Perspective from an immigrant: I feel like America just broke up with me.

Must read from Courtney Parker West: On “Woke” White People Advertising their Shock that Racism just won a Presidency.

More on this: hey white people – you need to start doing the ugly work that isn’t safe for us to do.

Loving this advice from Joanna de Voe on stress management.

From Alexandra Franzen: It’s worth it. YES, it is.

Dena DeCastro’s astrological take on the aftermath of the election.

Russell Simmons writes a letter to his old friend Donald Trump.

Coming Out Tarot shares his step-by-step tarot process.

New from Jonathan Fields: How to Live a Good Life: Soulful Stories, Surprising Science, and Practical Wisdom.

Fascinating read + pictures: Cotton Tenants.

OMG want: Ladies Drawing Night: Make Art, Get Inspired, Join the Party.

The Tarot Coloring Book has been chugging along for twelve days now. Did you get your copy yet?

Join me at one of these fine Midwest venues for wee talks or full on classes – plus book signings!

Today! November 12th at 11AM: Barnes and Noble, Fields Ertel in Cincinnati, Ohio. Join me for a short talk + book signing! Free! Books will be available for purchase.

November 13th: The Boston Tea Room in Ferndale, Michigan. Tarot For Total Beginners – a two hour workshop. $22. Going Pro – For Aspiring (or already) Professional Tarot Readers – a two hour workshop. $22. Books will be available for purchase.