Election Day Care Package

How I plan to wake up on November 6th feeling satisfied regardless of what happens

I decided a year ago how I wanted to feel the day after the election regardless of who wins. I’ve been working towards that goal every day. A year ago the war in the Middle East was newish. A year ago I was sure that a man I don’t care for would win. I feel pretty confident that he still will. A year ago I decided that the way I wanted to spend the next year was being of service, locally, and by connecting with the activists and friends who light me up. I decided to spend my election year learning/studying ways in which the country where I live has to reckon with our history of internal fascism, colonialism, and violence so that I can find ways to encourage that work.

I voted. As I was getting out of the car to go into the voting polling place last week I looked at my husband (we always vote together, its a fun thing we do together) and said, “Hey, once we do this, once we vote, we’ve done all we can do. Three months ago this day, voting day, was going to be harder than it is today AND I feel like I need to say out loud that I don’t love this choice. I know that the other choice will kill more people so I am voting for her AND I just need to say to someone that I am doing so with equal parts trepidation and hope that she will be who those who have the most to lose need her to be.” Then we went inside and voted.

I believe that election seasons give us the gift of connecting with our love of democracy. Every four years we get the chance to over throw the government. That’s kind of fun, isn’t it? I believe that we, you, I get to decide how we want to feel when election day is over especially in an election when we will not likely know many results the night of the election. I believe that regardless of who wins an election, there is still work to do. Every year with every election. I believe that like any race, all one can do is what one can do. Vote. Then get your care plan together as this is going to be a long, bumpy ride until inauguration day. Regardless of who wins.

First, let’s talk about expectations. Expectations sink the proverbial ship every time. They are what set us up to feel disappointed, dissatisfied, and let down. So, how about we all commit to calibrating our expectations about having election results on election night. Or even in the week that follows. The likelihood of that is super slim. So, how about we all move into a stance that allows us to move through election day with gratitude for a democracy? We can choose, on election day, to root ourselves in gratitude for the protected right to vote and accessibility to a safe voting station (or mail in ballot). We can express our thanks for the volunteers staffing the voting station and the drivers getting folks to and from. We can be grateful for the friends we met along the way to the civics loving people that we are today.

Second, let’s talk about your self care plan for the days/weeks that follow the election. What are three things that you can commit to doing TODAY for yourself TOMORROW that will feel good to you on Wednesday, November 6th? Mine include pre-planning time with people that I love, pre-planning something fun, and making sure that I do not have to stay out late. Rest is key and so I am turning off all non-essential socializing the weekend following the election. I’ve planned a yard work project so I will be moving my body, outside, off my phone, and can experience the satisfaction of starting and finishing something on the same day.

This leads me to the third idea I have for us: notice and prioritize satisfaction. This election is not likely to FEEL satisfying in our bodies, our nervous systems, or our dreams of what leadership in government looks like so what experiences can you plan that WILL feel that way? For me this looks like planning some phone calls with friends where I am not multi-tasking and can bask in our time together, taking on tasks that I can start and finish, cooking delish things that I love to eat (stove popped popcorn with furikake added to it), consuming media that satisfies me (I’ve been saving the last two seasons of the West Wing re-watch that I’ve been enjoying this election season for after the election that is happening in real time), and naps. I love naps.

In closing, I want to invite you to turn away from election results related news in the weeks that follow the election. Choose media sources that will tell you what you want to know, set your daily consumption time to 15 minutes, and then turn it off. Knowing everything that is going on everywhere does not make any of what feels scary, unsettled, or unknown less so. Choose your own health, rest, and sense of connection in the coming weeks.

Regardless of how this election turns out, we need each other. Regardless of how the voting count goes we have a lot of work to do. Regardless of who wins, your participation is required in what comes next so do your part, VOTE, then take a nap. Have a snack. Hug a friend. And get back to work.

You are enough. You do enough. You are valued.

Onwards, y’all.

Sera

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• Democrasexy has an incredible voting guide for Austin folks. It will blow your mind!!! The link to the PDF is below.

• Waking Giants, my social impact company, is co-hosting TWO different JOY infused election day events, both will have in person and virtual offerings (keep scrolling to get your tickets).

• If you want to volunteer at those events, keep scrolling!

• I have election season inspired playlists, ofc I do. You know, keep scrolling.

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Election Day Moving Through It Workout Class with Erica Nix

Come join me on Election Day for a high-energy workout class with the fabulous Erica Nix! Let's sweat out all the stress and anxiety of the day together. This in-person AND virtual event will get your body moving and your spirits lifted.

Erica's positive vibes and killer workout routines will have you feeling empowered and ready to take on whatever the day brings. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to exercise and destress with a fantastic community of like-minded individuals.

A portion of ticket sales will go towards Democrasexy, an effort to engage folks in the system that governs 'em.

The event is BOTH in person and virtual.

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Elections are a circus, amirite? That's why we're bringing all three rings to Cheer Up Charlies on Election Night for Democrasexy's Election Spectacle Hope Watch / Doom Watch and Carnival of Care!

No matter which way the night goes, we are going to want to be in community and we are going to need to look out for each other well beyond this election. Community care -- but make it a carnival!

Details to be released in the coming weeks AND you can look forward to:

• holding hands while watching election returns

• clown burlesque

• warm fuzzies

• live music

• eating our feelings

• inspiring speakers

• so many fun surprises!

We also know that regardless of who is president, the Texas Capitol is an absolute lion's den waiting to devour the rights of women and trans and queer Texans. We need to be prepared to do some lion taming once the state legislature reconvenes in January! *whip crack sound effect* That's why this event is a fundraiser for Democrasexy, a creative civic engagement organization that builds community and makes it feel good to get involved in movements for change.

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Want to know how to talk with your kids about the election? Our friends over at Bright Littles have you covered. They just dropped a FREE downloadable PDF full of games to play to make democracy feel fun + inviting. That’s how we get folks to show up, so let’s get to playing at democracy!