Finding Hope and Resilience After the 2024 Election: A Guide for Healing and Moving Forward

As the dust settles after the 2024 election, many of us are left grappling with complex emotions—concern, frustration, fear, and perhaps even hopelessness. In my community, I’ve heard reflections on feeling devalued and despondent, especially as this election has mirrored struggles many Black women face every day. How do we find hope in systems that feel designed to oppress us? How can we build resilience amid feelings of helplessness?

Let’s explore ways to find emotional resilience and build collective strength as we move forward together.

Navigating Emotional Turbulence 
In times like these, it’s natural to feel uncertain. Acknowledging our emotions is essential to honoring our experiences. When intense feelings arise, the impulse can be to ignore them or to dwell in them. However, both of these responses can amplify feelings of helplessness.

Clinically and spiritually, a mindset of “there’s nothing I can do” can dampen our spirits, increasing grief and frustration. While acknowledging emotions is the first step, creating practices that support the body, mind, and spirit is vital. Consider journaling, grounding exercises, or breathwork to process what’s surfacing for you right now. These practices are restorative, fostering a state of choice and empowerment that fortifies resilience.

The Power of Community Support and Collective Care
Community support is another crucial lifeline. Connecting with others who share similar experiences helps us feel seen, heard, and validated. This is why I developed the Reflecting Joy Collective. Here, we prioritize collective connection, healing and support. Being among others who truly understand brings a healing that doesn’t require constant explanation or justification of our humanity.

There is strength in community care, where you can lower your guard and feel accepted.
Consider joining a group or community to foster these connections and find solace among those who understand. When you’re ready, these spaces can offer a chance to share, serve, and receive support.

H.O.P.E.: Tools for Resilience and Action
To move forward with purpose, I developed the H.O.P.E. framework as a guide during challenging times:

• Honor Community Connections: In moments of hardship, connecting with others becomes a grounding force. Honor your community by seeking support, showing up for others, and allowing the shared experience to strengthen you.
• Observe and Set Boundaries: Take time to reflect on what aligns with your values and set boundaries that protect your peace. Observing these boundaries helps maintain clarity and keeps your actions purposeful and true to yourself.
• Pause for Rest and Restoration: Rest is essential for resilience. Pause to honor what your body needs, allowing time to recharge and simply “be.” This intentional stillness can bring clarity and renewed energy.
• Emerge in Joy: Engage in practices that bring you joy and reconnect you with your spirit. Whether through laughter, movement, meditation, or prayer, let joy be your guide as you emerge more centered, more resilient, and ready for what’s next.

Each part of the H.O.P.E. framework is a reminder that you’re not alone. Prioritizing meaningful connections, honoring your needs, and embracing joy are powerful steps toward resilience and healing.

Moving Forward with Faith and Purpose
In these challenging times, grounding ourselves in faith—whether in community, a higher power, or our own resilience—can provide a much-needed anchor. Let’s use this season to stay centered and anchored in principals, restoration, community and action. It is important to understand that each of these has their own season to flourish and a purpose in our lives.​