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October 23, 2024
Model Strength in Uncertain Times
November 6, 2024
It is Halloween season and here in the U.S. pumpkins and political signs are everywhere. I am stocking up on candy and getting out to vote. Balancing the everyday fun and the importance of political action is an ongoing process. What can Trick or Treat night teach us about staying resilient during this political season?
Both involve knocking on doors and wondering what is behind the mask. Making predictions is precarious. Did we buy enough candy? How will the election turn out? When things go right you build community and find the resources you desire. But it doesn’t always work out. Costumes fail, weather turns cold and rainy, candy runs out, and possibly your candidate doesn’t win. Obviously, the stakes are very different but perhaps we can glean some wisdom from Halloween to support resilience during this political season.
Plan Ahead
Your child’s plan is to trick or treat as a fairy or pterosaur both of which have wings. Freezing weather will cramp their style! Hard to soar with a snow jacket on. Be sure their costume is large enough for a couple layers underneath. Predicting enough candy is another tricky process. I buy some single size snacks that I am willing to hand out or eat. I used to buy excessive candy, which is great when there are a lot of kids, but not great when there aren’t enough ghosts and bumblebees to take it away.
Planning ahead is harder for election year. It starts with getting to know your candidates and the issues on your ballot so that you can make your best decision. Then make plans to go to the polls taking family and friends with you for company. Waiting for an unknown future is the hardest part. Do all you can for the future then focus on today. No matter who is elected there is work to do and you are needed to do your part. Do those things that best maintain your resilience and your connections to those who will support you and your concerns.
Travel in Packs
It can be scary to knock on doors and ask strangers for candy. This is best done as a flock of angels, a tribe of demons, or a family of assorted characters. Opening your door again and again to strangers can also be tiresome. It is way more fun to have a friend join you on the porch or a driveway fire pit to greet the visitors, reminisce about costumes past and swap candy. Likewise, politics is a group sport. Vote with friends and family. Most importantly, plan a post-election gathering now. Set aside time to celebrate, or commiserate, in advance. The stakes are so high this election season that there will be big feelings all around. There are important issues to address, and there is no way to do it alone.
Find the Fun
I remember a Trick or Treat night when the weather was miserable. Pouring rain, cold, nasty weather. Kids stopped at a few houses, but a lot of people decided not to hand out candy that year as no one wanted to open a door. So….we found a fun movie, invited a few friends over and swapped candy in the family room. During COVID some families rigged up candy shoots so they could send treats to kids without close contact. Kids in rural areas go to bonfires or visit their friends in town because trick or treating doesn’t work well when the next front door is a mile down the road. When there is fun and candy at stake families make a way. So vote, then find the fun. Enjoy the leaves, the candy, the cool nights and your friends. As election results come in celebrate any and all wins. Appreciate all the people that worked together to make it possible for you to vote.
There are fears and excitement, plans and reality when it comes to both Halloween and election day. The stakes are very different and yet both are part of the cycle of living. Make plans to celebrate Halloween (if that’s your thing) and to vote, pull together a few or many friends to join you in your plans, and don’t forget to find the fun. What is your favorite Halloween costume? My personal favorite lately has been the toddler sized bumblebee. So cute!! What have you learned in the election cycle? I have found ways to participate locally which was enjoyable and connected me to new people. Let me know how you are staying resilient this season at resilience@learnmodelteach.com
Peace,
Laura
