Post-Election Processing

The US election was a monumental moment in history in which the whole world was watching.

I, like millions of Americans, stayed glued to Twitter and the map from the Associated Press on Google all week, hoping for a sign that the tr*mp administration had finally been defeated. The anxiety and stress filled my every atom as voting results began to come in. Even though the election results are not final as of this writing, the sigh of relief I felt when Joe Biden was declared the projected winner is a moment I will never forget. 💙

This country is deeply divided and the fact that this race was so close at all reveals how much work needs to be done. We owe the Black and Indigenous Communities, specifically, a debt of gratitude for showing up and carrying this election on their backs. 🙏🏼 Stacy Abrams in Georgia whom helped to register over 800,000 voters deserves some sort of medal as well. You all are in my heart and I cannot thank you enough for getting out and making your voice heard.

As someone who has experienced the violence of this administration first-hand numerous times, I cannot even begin to describe how I feel knowing that hope has been restored. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won't be perfect and no one expects them to be, but they will be step in the forward direction we need so that minorities in this country get heard and true equality becomes a reality. 🏳️‍🌈✊🏿✊🏾✊🏼

Speaking of Kamala Harris, we have a WOMAN OF COLOR as our Vice-President! That is a monumental achievement to celebrate! She is the first Black Woman and the first South Asian Woman to hold this office and that is a historic moment as well. Like Madame Vice-President said though, "she won't be the last." 

For me, I'm going through the up and down emotions of overcoming oppression. Some moments I'm more hopeful and joyous than I've been in years. Sometimes I'm furious and angry at having even had these experiences. Part of me wants to take a page out of Ariana Grande's book and be all "Thank U, Next" about it and other moments I simply feel exhausted. 

It's all part of it. If you're experiencing similar feelings -please know that they are valid. They are real. You've experienced something that many other people will never understand. Some people don't even think that what you're feeling or your experiences are real... but they are.

The scars of the last 4 years will eventually heal over, but they will never be forgotten. 

Take your time in your own healing journey. There is no right or wrong way to feel at this time. Kindness begins with kindness to yourself and your heart. Take a beat and breathe.

My heart is with you in this time of relief and perhaps, partial uncertainty. 
However, it's ok now. You Are Safe.

xo,
JONATHAN MILLER🌙