Embracing Disappointment and Redefining What It Means to Be American
Election results can bring forth an intense mixture of emotions—pride, excitement, hope, but also frustration, worry, and, yes, disappointment. For many, this year’s election left them feeling that despite all our collective hopes for healing, compassion, and strong, principled leadership, something is missing. I am still processing so many emotions and have felt deep fear and mistrust. Disappointment isn’t simply about policy differences or party lines. For so many of us, this feeling comes from a longing to see leaders who truly embody integrity, who lead with character, and who hold a vision for a just, inclusive, and compassionate America. Politics is not what is tearing apart friends and families, character is and this is a reminder of the need to redefine what it means to be American and to step forward with clarity on who we are and who we want to be.
People always want a crystal ball to see into the future but what we need to do is look to the past as the past and future meet in the present moment. In this pivotal time, we have a profound opportunity to look deeper at what it means to live on this land, a place with a history steeped in both liberation and profound pain. We can acknowledge that America was founded with the intent of freedom and liberty, yet built on a foundation of colonisation and the forced displacement of Indigenous people. To heal, we must not turn away from these truths; we must embrace them with humility and respect, understanding that the strength of our country comes from our diversity, resilience, and our willingness to face hard truths. These truths are being threatened by initiatives to ban books and under Trump Administration calls to “end Department of Education”. Let me make this crystal clear, this is a direct threat to our future and it scares the crap out of me. It is so important that we teach our youth the true history of this beautiful country we call home. It is not a pretty history but it is one filled with hope and healing.
Stepping into a New Age of Leadership
As we move forward, there is a need to redefine leadership. In the age of Aquarius, we’re called to embody values like equality, innovation, community, and mutual respect. We need leaders who are not only competent but also compassionate. Those who have healed their relationship with power, understanding that true leadership is not about control but about service. Imagine a government filled with men and women who represent the whole of America, who have diverse lived experiences, and who can empathize with and advocate for all people.
Our vision of America can be one where men and women have equal rights in every facet of society, where our children are fed healthy, nutritious meals, where they are educated in a way that teaches not only academic skills but also ethics, compassion, and empathy. Let us aspire to be a nation that not only meets basic needs but also uplifts one another—one where we are each our brother’s and sister’s keeper, and where we recognize our shared humanity.
Some of these leaders do exist and we need more of them in office. It is so important to cast your votes in your local communities for those who hold these leadership qualities.
A Call for Unity and a Higher Standard
It is possible to feel disappointed and still hold hope. It is possible to feel let down by certain results yet continue to work toward a higher vision. Disappointment is a natural response to moments when our aspirations, and sometimes even our sense of justice, feel unfulfilled. But let’s channel that energy into a call for unity, integrity, and action. Let’s recognize that we are ready for leadership that looks different from what we’ve known before. I am not going to blast our toxic positivity that we all will link arms and make a better future; it will be gruelling work that involves trust and right now for me personally, I am at a space where I am figuring that out. It is so important during low times to surround yourself with people you trust and know have your best interest at hand. If you aren’t sure, take space. It’s ok to be very selective with who has access to you in times of pain. When you have regained your strength you can expand that energy out even more.
I would like to think America is ready for a female president. I would like to believe that our nation is ready to embrace the strength, wisdom, and resilience that women have always brought to the table. In fact, women have been at the heart of social progress throughout our history, from the suffragettes to civil rights leaders to those who are now standing at the forefront of social, environmental, and economic movements today. A female president can bring a fresh perspective that represents a broader, more inclusive version of America, one that reflects and serves all of us. The attack and distrust in feminine energy has been a long standing issue. I highly recommend reading the book “How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution” by Cat Bohannon
Choosing to Be Brave and Inclusive
America was once defined by the slogan “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Let’s expand this definition to include not just freedom and bravery but also unity, compassion, and respect for all people. Let us be the generation that chooses to lead not by division but by connection, that prioritizes community well-being over individual gain, and that understands the importance of inclusivity in creating true freedom.
This is a call to all Americans: let’s hold our leaders and ourselves to a higher standard. Let’s call upon the best parts of our collective spirit to show the world what a country can be when it’s built upon the ideals of mutual respect and shared humanity. Together, we can create a nation that other countries look to not only for technological innovation and economic power but for ethical leadership and a community-oriented spirit.
The Future We Envision Starts Today
Disappointment is real, but so is hope. We can take this moment to reflect, to advocate, and to continue to move forward with resilience and optimism. We have the power to shape our future, and we have the power to choose leaders who represent our vision for a better world. We can stand up for an America that’s compassionate, just, and truly inclusive.
The journey toward that vision will take time, but with each step, we are building something worth fighting for—a place where we are all free because we are all brave enough to care, to serve, and to stand together.
The healing starts with you.
