When my daughter arrived in early November, I certainly didn’t anticipate that my maternity leave would be framed by the whirlwind of an election and the reality of Donald Trump taking office. As I spent those early days at home, nursing my little one, I found myself torn between the urge to stay informed about the world and the need to shield myself from the chaos that surrounded me. It felt like a train wreck—impossible to look away from, even as I desperately tried.
The fallout of the election was palpable, not just for me but for many in my social circles. Anxiety and despair were rampant, and I felt the weight of it all. I was determined to avoid succumbing to the post-election blues that seemed to be affecting friends one by one. Many of them chose to disconnect from social media altogether, announcing their intention to step back from the noise. I considered this too, thinking it might help me focus on my baby rather than the anxiety that crept in with each news headline or tweet. But there was something that held me back.
A recurring question echoed among my friends, particularly women: “What can we do?” The election felt like a final verdict on our hopes for the next four years, leaving many of us feeling helpless. However, as I contemplated leaving social media, I realized the beauty that kept me engaged. The people I know—in both the real world and online—have been tirelessly championing important causes.
I answered their question: “Keep doing what you’re already doing. This is not the time to stop, but to continue.” Every day on my feed, I see friends doing remarkable work. There’s my high school buddy, now an architect, designing schools for children in Haiti. A former colleague is advocating passionately for her transgender teenager. My cousin has created a community group in New Haven that teaches English to Syrian refugees, helping them integrate. And let’s not forget my chaplain friend, who is raising her son to understand feminism.
Even my friends who work in hospice care touch me deeply with their reflections on the sacredness of caring for those nearing the end of life. These are my people, and they are doing incredible things. It’s not just the activists that inspire me; it’s also the everyday moments shared—like “baby’s firsts”—that remind me that many are doing the challenging yet rewarding work of raising kind, compassionate humans.
That’s why I’ve chosen to stay connected. Each time I log in, I’m inspired and uplifted by individuals who, in both radical and ordinary ways, strive to make the world a better place. These are the people who acknowledge the existence of white privilege, support movements like Black Lives Matter, and advocate for safe spaces on campuses. They don’t shy away from the real conversations we need to have.
As women, we thought we were on the brink of a hopeful new era, only to find ourselves grappling with a loss of security and faith in our systems to protect our interests. But we’re resilient; we’ve always fought for what matters, and our efforts will continue in our own spheres—day by day. So next time you consider stepping away from social media, think about sharing more instead. Stay connected, because I crave more beauty, connection, and inspiration from those who motivate me to keep fighting for humanity—one post at a time.
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In case you’re curious about other ways to connect or share, feel free to visit this link for additional resources.
Summary:
Social media remains a vital platform for connection and inspiration, especially during tumultuous times. It allows us to witness the incredible work of friends and family who are making a difference in the world. Rather than retreating from social media, consider engaging more deeply with your network to foster beauty and resilience in challenging times.