Politics Unusual: Weathering The Weight of Change

Inauguration Day has come and gone, but for many of us, the weight of what it all means is still sitting heavy. Political shifts like the dismantling of federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have left many of us questioning what comes next. DEI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about creating workplaces, schools, and communities where everyone has a shot at belonging and succeeding. Watching those efforts get unraveled feels personal, like a direct hit to the progress we’ve fought for and the values we hold dear.

For those of us who’ve dedicated careers to DEI work, this feels like the ground’s been pulled out from under us. For marginalized communities, it’s a reminder of how fragile progress can be. And then there’s the ripple effect—when DEI initiatives are gutted, it sends a chilling message that equality is negotiable, and that’s a hard pill to swallow.

But that’s not all we’re grappling with. Reproductive rights, once thought to be safe, feel like they’re slipping through our fingers. Decisions being made now will shape generations to come, and the uncertainty is deeply unsettling. And for immigrants and their families, the fear of being uprooted or losing hard-fought stability is a constant presence in the background. These aren’t just policies—they’re lived realities, and the weight of it all can feel crushing.

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

Let’s just call it what it is—this is hard. It’s scary. It’s infuriating. And it’s okay to feel all of it. Giving ourselves permission to sit with these emotions is the first step toward not letting them consume us.

2. Stay informed, but Set Boundaries

Staying informed matters, but the 24/7 news cycle can quickly turn into a spiral of anxiety. Let’s choose a few reliable sources, check in when we need to, and then step back to protect our mental health.

3. Lean on Your People

When the world feels heavy, leaning on each other can lighten the load. Whether it’s a support group, an advocacy community, or just friends who get it, connection reminds us we’re not in this alone.

4. Do What You Can

We can’t fix everything, but we can do something. Writing to representatives, supporting advocacy efforts, or simply showing up for our communities can be powerful ways to channel our emotions into action.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If it feels like too much to carry, that’s okay too. Reaching out to a therapist or counselor can provide the tools we need to process what we’re feeling and find ways to move forward.

It’s tempting to lose hope when everything feels like it’s shifting in the wrong direction. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that progress is messy. It’s two steps forward, one step back. And even in the face of setbacks, we’ve always found ways to rise together.

The road ahead might be rocky, but we’re in this together. We’ll grieve the losses, we’ll hold each other up, and we’ll keep moving forward, one step at a time. Because even when it feels like the storm will never pass, we’re still here—and we’re still fighting for what matters.