I've been meaning to share a post since the day after Election Day on Galbraith, but I've been hesitant for several reasons. I haven't talked about politics here before, mostly because I was afraid to join the fray—afraid to say the wrong thing, to offend someone, to get flack and negative responses for the things I believe. If this bewildering election cycle has taught me anything though, it's that it's ok, and sometimes completely necessary to share my political beliefs. And while Galbraith is a lifestyle blog, I can't deny that politics are important to me (I know they're likely very important to you)—they play a part in everything we do.
Human rights are at the forefront of a lot of my political values: the idea that all people are treated equally and have equal opportunities, regardless of a disability, their gender, their race, their age, their sexual orientation, or their religion. (Taking care of our planet is another value that's up there for me.) Now many of these values are in jeopardy, and a lot of us have gone through the gamut of emotions: shocked, angry, sad, depressed, numb, repeat.
My focus today is this: I have hope that Donald Trump will do well as a president. As Obama said in his speech, "we are rooting for his success" because, ultimately, the success of our leaders (in doing good) means the success of the country as a whole. The key though is that accepting that he's our president-elect doesn't mean we need to stop fighting for what's right, of course. As Hillary Clinton said in her concession speech, "This loss hurts, but please never stop believing that fighting for what's right is worth it." I'm still figuring out my path for standing up for what I believe in, but being unafraid to speak out for my rights and the rights of others is a start (hence, this post).
To you, my readers, I'm sending you lots of love and positive energy today. Here are a few things that I hope will lift your spirits a bit (some have to do with the election, some are just fun and random).
1. Proof that women still won in lots of ways.
2. An easy way to calm anxiety.
3. A text I received from a friend last week, which gave me a lot of hope—I hope it gives you some, too. She grew up in Guatemala, came to the US at 16, and became a citizen in her early 20s.
"I know this is sad, but I always like to think positive. [Donald Trump] hasn't started his term and without political experience, we can't really say how he will carry out his duties. Maybe things won't be that terrible. As an immigrant living in this country, I can tell you I'm not afraid. It takes courage to build a life for yourself in another country and it takes more courage to walk into a place knowing you are not welcomed or knowing you are being judged. But through those experiences I've learned to be strong. This is not the first or last time with challenges to overcome. This is one of those moments where I put my faith and peace of mind in the hands of God. I also feel hope when I see my daughter. She is half white and half Latina. She is the personification of unity, love, and equality. So I have hope in her and in other children who will hopefully make better choices in the future."
4. Some hedgehog love (and holiday gift ideas), just because.
5. This simple recipe for banana bread (true food for the soul). Coming from someone who's never made banana bread before (and who is not baking inclined), it was the easiest thing ever and so, so delicious.
6. I'm kind of blown away by the Mannequin Challenge. Have you heard of it? Some of my favorites were by James Corden and the The Late Late Show, Hillary and her team (posted the day before Election Day, ugh), and what's thought to be the original video to start the trend (according to Mashable). See more examples here, if you'd like.
Much love to you all. Take care of yourselves this week.
Xoxo, Heather
P.S. And when all else fails, there's Emma Watson and all the magic to come with this movie. (Have you seen the latest trailer?!)
P.P.S. One last election-themed thing: This women-and-business-minded article by Sallie Krawcheck is super encouraging and smart.
Photograph by Tom Schelling.