How to Thrive in Trump’s Chaos
Instead of doom scrolling or tuning out, there are practical and daily tools for surviving the chaos of the Trump/Musk manufactured chaos; recognize it as their performative reality show that we can mute whenever we need a break. Make a sensible plan to balance outer and inner worlds.
Find Refuge
What gives you a sense of calm and safety to balance the erratic and often overwhelming news cycle? Trump and Musk do not know how to govern, only break down existing safety nets. They are social terrorists who use fear and insecurity to threaten our sense of well-being, whether it’s attacking immigrants, Medicare, the courts, Social Security, or federal employees’ jobs. An antidote to their daily assaults is to find refuge in whatever gives us a sense of resilience, hope, and solace. Perhaps it’s music, art, reaching out to friends, or quiet retreat. Seek daily refuge and sanctuary in nature. Trump cannot control or erase this boutiful spring that returns to remind us of true power.
Daily Acts of Resistance
But we cannot afford to tune out completely. Now is the time to develop your skills for daily acts of resistance and protest. Writing letters to senators and reps is a time-honored way to make your voices heard. Every letter is logged in and read by congressional staff and reported to the elected officials. It’s another way of voting. Joyfully join in the protests that are sweeping red and blue states.
Learn from History’s Resistance Movements
Other countries have faced autocrats and left us invaluable lessons. Read books about the World War II resistance movements. All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, The Alice Network, A Woman of No Importance, are some of my favorites. Watch and find inspiration from films like The Manchurian Candidate, Sweden’s, The Spy, Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan, Is Paris Burning? Support a free press by subscribing to local and international media that is covering the Trump/Musk takeover. The Atlantic, The Guardian, The New York Times, Slate, NPR, podcasts.
Learn Civics about How a Successful Democracy Works
Counter Trump’s incoherent MAGA rants with your own clear vision of what you believe really makes America great — free press, bipartisanship, supporting our NATO democratic allies, education for all, women’s rights. Your vision is in stark contrast to the regressive, racist, and misogynistic vision of MAGA. America will resist the privileges of a self-declared king. Study other countries who have more than two parties and must find consensus and compromise, instead of endless polarizing two-party systems. Here is an app: 5 Calls: Contact Your Congress https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.a5calls.android.a5calls to make your voice heard on issues.
Reach Out to Trump Voters
Trump’s tariffs are affecting Trump voters in red states as much as blue states. Farmers, rural voters, small business owners, even Wall Street investors, are reeling from Trump’s tariff chaos. Engage respectfully with family members, Facebook friends. Listen and dialogue.
Humor
We need to use creativity in the arts to tell new stories of survival. Stand-up comics can simply laugh at the Trump/Musk overreach. Films and stories can engage the heart and bypass politics to reach wider audiences. Laughter is a survival skill; it is in short supply when fear and insecurity dominates. Humor is often stronger than outrage.
Split the Screen
Years ago, when I was dealing with a bout of PTSD after a severe illness, someone who had worked with Vietnam veterans taught me a psychological survival strategy called “Splitting the Screen.” In the mind’s eye, place the traumatic images on one side of the screen: on the other, place scenes of nourishing, positive actions and resistance happening everywhere. Power is always transient. Trump/Musk are overreaching. They are already failing, and the public is waking up and resisting. Trump and Musk’s poll numbers are underwater.
Imagine another Future
Imagine a future that is healthy and healing from all the damage being done right now. This is perhaps the biggest tool of all because it calls upon us to seek alternatives and not assume that today’s threats are enduring. We can change the future. Only half of America voted to reelect this non-educable, vengeful, and erratic Trump. Nobody voted for Musk. Being a billionaire is not wisdom. Our government is not a business owned by oligarchs and politicians; it belongs to us all.
For over two hundred years, Americans have been wise enough to listen to all the people, not just the few who temporarily govern and threaten. We, the people, are the real power. ~
Bio
Brenda Peterson is the author of over 20 books, including the novel Duck and Cover, a New York Times “Notable Book of the Year.” Her memoir, I Want to Be Left Behind: Finding Rapture Here on Earth was chosen as an Indie Next “Best Top Read.” Library Journal gave Peterson’s new book, Wild Chorus a starred review. Peterson’s work has also appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Orion, and Oprah magazine. www.BrendaPetersonBooks.com
