The Trump Aftermath. So often, we are reminded that it's not the actual event that took place or the statement made that makes the most impact, but the aftereffects, the repercussions, the trickle-down effects that cause the most long-term damage.
Did you know that volcanoes have a positive effect on the Earth? Many of us learned that in school, but it's hard to remember when we all have heard about the widespread damage and the horrific aftermath they cause. The lava and ash from a volcano erupting are so rich in nutrients that they break down into the soil and make very fertile farmland. But seldom do we reap the benefits of that. We only really know volcanoes for causing mudslides, earthquakes, and flash floods, leading to devastation, homes demolished, and lost lives.
How Are You Managing?
How are you fairing during this whirlwind of news surrounding the election's aftermath and every speech Donald Trump has made? Even his press secretary and chief of staff back up his volatile remarks and often angry disposition. It's challenging to get away from it due to the mass media. Every other post on Facebook and Twitter focuses on a Trump rebuttal, backlash or opinion. The news shows on television and radio constantly cover each moment of President Trump's day, while the talk shows have a field day with his antics. It just doesn't go away.
One Step Forward And Two Steps Back!
We live in an age where a focus on being positive, balanced, and healthy emotionally and physically is at the forefront of most people's minds. Many workplaces see the vital need to decrease stress and create a culture that promotes a much-needed work-life balance. I work with many companies that recognize the need to pay as much attention to Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness as they do to master's degrees and job experience.
At the same time that we have all of these positive reinforcements, there is still no shortage of negative influences. There's a saying, 'Don't borrow trouble'. It's an understatement to say that many significant ongoing issues exist worldwide, including in our own country. We see it in the news daily. When we borrow trouble, we focus on things that don't necessarily need our attention, but they get it. We think about an article we've just read; the words are hurtful, demeaning, and utterly harmful. But we don't need to mull them over and allow them to control our thoughts. We can learn from it and move on.
Be Aware Of Negative Influence.
Meryl Streep made a profound statement recently at the Golden Globe Awards when she reminded us to be careful of negative influence. When a person in power sets a negative example, the ripple effect is in accepting that opinion. That's because a person in that position with such a derogatory viewpoint can dilute our views as strongly as they might be over time. The negative influence can be emotionally exhausting, generate unhappiness, and decrease our self-worth. This behaviour can hijack our emotions, negatively affecting our resilience.
We don't want to bury our heads in the sand and become complacent. So it's undoubtedly challenging when we have strong feelings and concerns about what's happening next door to our neighbours and how it may affect our country. While we may wish to share our support, there is a danger of this continuous negativity in our lives. We all know the health impacts of stress, but just hearing or reading something distressing can significantly impact your heart rate, breathing, facial expressions, and posture. Imagine what it is doing to your thought patterns. We must have a filtering system, and we all need to set boundaries. What's happening in the news around Trump and his tirades is a good test to weed out what's worth knowing and what we should disregard. We can still be empathetic human beings and stand up for what we believe in without reflecting the tirades or attitudes of others around us, even of the top man in charge.
For a deeper dive into ways to enhance your emotional intelligence, consider exploring our Emotional Intelligence Assessment & Coaching services. My book, The Power of Emotion, provides further insights into the power of mindfulness and emotional regulation.
More Motivational Reads Here »
How Emotionally Intelligent Are You?
Sign up for monthly tips to build your Emotional Intelligence and reduce Emotional Hijacking!
