I feel sad today… A Brexit inspired keep-your-head-up post

Brexit / Politics Disclaimer:

*This politically inspired post is part of my processing of the evolution of Brexit today, from my perspective, embracing my feelings. These are not alternative facts or facts facts and are not meant to put anyone down or start a debate.*

So here goes…

I have to admit, since mid 2016 when I binged on news at the time of the UK referendum vote (now known as Brexit), I have tried (often unsuccessfully) to have a news detox… Head in the sand ostrich stylee. (Yes, one of the unsuccessful times was around the US election period – *shudder*) 

I am viewing democracy respectfully and I’m not going to go down the political rabbit hole which, I have to admit, stresses me out and upsets me right now – but I want to take a moment to step into my feelings. At the time of writing this today, I’m sitting on the tube on my work commute and looking up at headlines about “our PM” triggering Britain’s exit from the EU. And I’m exhaling. And actually making an effort to hold back a tear. And repressing the anger that I feel bubbling away at the outcome of what I perceive to be a knee-jerk “vote for me” inspired referendum. I’m inhaling and exhaling through my belief that my daughter now exists in a world where fear fuels divisive decisions and her mamas #achievemoretogether mantra is the opposite of what is being executed. 

I don’t say any of this to get into a political discussion or debate (trust me, I’m a busy working mama with zero bandwidth for this kind of debate presently – and am still hugely fired up so worried that if I start I won’t stop) – but I always like to turn lemons into lemonade and as tough as that’s been in this instance as I’ve helplessly watched this all unfold, I am writing this post as a form of therapy. And authenticity. And maybe, just maybe I can turn this into a teachable moment for myself, our kids and anyone open to taking away lessons and inspiration courtesy of current  goings-on. 

(Please note: In reference to the below, none of these are factual results of political events. They are all thoughts that I have had, ‘inspired’ by unfolding events).

The last 9 months have taught or reminded me that:

1. Admitting your mistakes and learning from them can hugely, positively affect your life and those of others (not admitting your mistakes can have the opposite effect and lead to what may be a self destructive, no winners here scenario) 
2. Not everything will go your way – and you need to recognise that or you will get stuck, frustrated and not lean in to your own talents and gifts – which can positively impact your immediate community (regardless of what is happening in the world around you)
3. Just because s/he’s doing it, doesn’t mean you should too (bullying, lying, stubbornness, general making shizzle up etc.).  Recent events have reminded me that the example that we set for our kids needs to come from us… the values of honesty, kindness, community etc won’t necessarily come from our presidents, prime ministers, politicians or any other public figures. And that isn’t a surprise (lol – we don’t look to politicians as beacons of honesty), but recent developments have really driven this point home. Make the time to have real values led conversations with your littles (when they are big enough. For now, I’m just talking at my nearly 14 month old!)
4. Create your own circle of inspiration and positivity – self explanatory. Essential in this day and age. Part of your self-care. Do it!
5. Don’t burn your bridges – also self explanatory…
6. If you want something and truly believe you can do it – go for it! Don’t get in your own way. Who would have truly believed some months ago that a candidate with NO political experience could access the most powerful position of political office in the western world (and gain that victory against a candidate with some of the most experience). What the what the? But true… so true and if anything… a reminder to crack on with your dreams and goals and believe in yourself 
7. Don’t let anyone speak for you – use your own voice: There is so much narrative stating that “we the people” or “the people” have spoken in relation to political outcomes. Screw that. You don’t speak for me. I may be in a 48% minority nationally but I proudly spoke and voted and the fact that a majority had a different view does not give anyone the right to suggest that I am part of that mass. After the fact, don’t be careless with your words and make sweeping statements which suggest that you speak for me. You don’t. I take pride in my perspective… and I hope those with the opposing perspective feel really proud too because well, things are unraveling as per your desires and you can hopefully be a positive leading light in the work that needs to be done from here 
8. Never allow yourself to be complacent: until mid-June last year, I wrongly thought that my beliefs of community, diversity and being stronger together would have resonated with a majority of people. I thought that the active civil rights struggle belonged to the Martin Luther King Jr era. Well what rock was I under? Ha!  I was wrong. Beyond wrong. Deluded in ways. Don’t assume that civil rights / sexism / racism struggles are over… or even so far improved that you don’t need to be active in fighting for them. No. Truth is that if we feel sick to our stomachs today, we have work to do. Let’s get to it. 

So yes, today I am sad. For me, this break up sucks. Not for economic reasons but because in my mind, in my beliefs and in my heart… it feels like we are turning our back on peace, stability, sister(and brother)hood, diversity and so many things that mean the world to me. Oh, and because I hate (and hate is a word my mama told me not to use unless I meant it) that communities who have contributed so much feel unwelcome and uncertain as their home contracts into itself.

And those 8 points above? Those are a simply a collection thoughts that have been inspired by current events (presented as feelings, not facts)

Tonight (I’m off that commuter tube now), social media tells me that I’m not the only one mourning the reality of this break up. (Although the way algorithms work, I’m sure there are also major celebrations happening somewhere. Right Mr Farage?)

((Hugs)) headed your way if you’re commiserating, not celebrating. For the record however… I do also belief that love and unity trumps, well trumps whatever the hell this is and maybe, just maybe due to our passion, hope and communication – our children may play a part in where we go from here.