Electoral Self-Care Emergency Kit

Remember that one time . . . there was an election.

It was the year 2000. I was 18 years old and thrilled to vote in my first presidential election. My history teacher, Mr. Leighly, ensured I was registered to vote the moment I turned 18—this was a big deal. I voted absentee because I was in college and registered in my home county. Al Gore got my vote. My roommate and I watched the returns come in, but something was weird, off. The night ended without a result. As the weeks unfolded, we all learned about hanging chads and the state of Florida. Still, there wasn't a result. I vividly remember when it happened—learning that the Supreme Court essentially decided this election. As someone who studied history and drank the U.S. idealism Kool-Aid, it was hard for me to comprehend, but we accepted it and moved on. I should have known then that elections were going to be like this.

The 2016 election feels like it was just two days ago. I remember waking up so excited that we were going to have a woman president. I rode that high all day. I went to a friend's house to watch the election results come in. And then... well, as they say in "Hamilton"—the world turned upside down. The very next day, I was on a plane to Disney World with my family. On the bus ride to the resort, I overheard a family say, "This is our country now." My dad, an immigrant who loves this country more than anyone else I know, just kept repeating, "We're not going to talk about it," as if the magic of Disney could reverse the results. My sister and I wandered around in a daze, feeling that the world had changed, that there had been a shift—but there were Dole Whips and margaritas to be had. While waiting in line for various rides, we kept reassuring ourselves: "It's going to be okay because... Aerosmith is still sending a limo... we have Dole Whips... we can still thank the Phoenicians." All of this feels like yesterday.

This year, I am finally learning to get ahead of it all...

Electoral Self-Care Emergency Kit

Regardless of the results on Tuesday, I know it's unlikely to be straightforward and resolved in one night. So, I thought I'd share what's in my election self-care toolkit for the 2024 U.S. election.

Shows to Watch:

The West Wing

This show got me through the Bush Administration in college and remains a go-to when I'm craving some good old-fashioned Aaron Sorkin idealism. While I have critiques of the show now, watching it transports me back to the version of myself who viewed it as it aired. My college roommate and I would make time to watch it live or tape it, sharing a pizza as we did. I was filled with hope for this country—a feeling I need to reconnect with during this election season. Plus, I'm a sucker for Josh and Donna's story, Stockard Channing as the First Lady will always be amazing, and Charlie is simply the best.

The Newsroom

Sticking with Aaron Sorkin, this show provided the reality check I needed after that idealism faded. It gives me the courage to speak out and notice patterns.

Schitt's Creek

Nothing beats escaping to Canada for some wholesome comedy. This show was my savior after the 2016 election. I'll always return to it.

Sesame Street/Mr. Rogers

For those moments when things get really weird or terrifying, I turn to these shows for some deep inner child hugs. I have a private playlist of my favorite clips on YouTube that I revisit when needed.

Ted Lasso

"Be curious, not judgmental." This show also rescued me from a dark place during the height of the pandemic when I felt so alone and isolated.

Russian Doll

This show is fundamental to who I am. I can rewatch any time any place. There is so much packed in each episode I find some thing new each time.

Survivor

Always a good rewatch. Even thought I’ve seen many seasons multiple times it’s hard to look away from this fascinating look at human psychology.

Things to Do:

I believe that getting through this time isn't just about consuming content—I need to create something too. Here's a peek at my creativity emergency kit that I might need to break into:

• Coloring books - love a "mindless" creative activity

• Writing/journaling - this includes documenting what's happening because it's self-care for me in terms of not being gaslit

• Legos - always

• Singing the soundtracks to Rent, Wicked, Evita, Little Shop of Horrors or Hamilton out loud, pretending that my windows are a stage

• Putting on my noise-cancelling headphones and dancing it out

• Rage Spirograph-ing

Other:

• All my favorite snacks and drinks from Trader Joe's

• Making sure I order tacos on Election night

• Connecting with those I care about and checking in on how they're doing during this time

• Limiting my time on social media

• Burying myself in my weighted blanket

• Never turning on the big light

That's what I've got. What's on your election self-care plan? What shows or movies do you return to when you need to get through tough moments like these?

PSA

As seen on Instagram, here are my thoughts about this year's election. Please vote.

My first vote for president went to Al Gore. A result that was actually stolen from the people and decided by a court. That could have been enough to stop me from participating in our system, but instead I kept going and have voted in every single election since.

This doesn't mean that I think the system is perfect. In fact it is far from it. But voting is the only way I can ensure that we have an opportunity to change it. An opportunity to make it more equitable for those who are marginalized and forgotten by our current system.

This year I voted for the opportunity to vote again -- to continue the conversation, to have a chance at making a different world. There is so much to do and I'm not even sure if I'll see this change in my life time, but as a single, childless woman I had to do my part to give the future a chance.

I have to believe that imperfect systems can change, no matter how slow the change may be because if I don't, I don't believe in me and in the end, I'm all I have.

Election season is rough, especially this one. Do what you need to do to take care of you and make it through. After it's all over we're going to need all of us to keep moving forward.

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