It’s only been a few weeks since 47 took office, and the country already feels like it’s locked in a pressure cooker. The headlines are relentless, social media is on fire, and emotions are running high. Every day seems to bring another bold policy move that shakes the foundation of what many believed was settled progress. Some are celebrating these changes, while others are bracing themselves, wondering just how far things will go.

One of the biggest shockwaves? The reversal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in federal government and corporations. Programs designed to promote racial and gender diversity in hiring and leadership are being rolled back at an alarming speed. Then there’s the challenge to birthright citizenship, a move that could redefine what it means to be American. And as if that weren’t enough, reports of Black History Month celebrations being canceled in certain areas have left many feeling like we’re stepping backward—way backward—toward a time some thought was behind us.

With all this happening so fast, it’s understandable to feel anxious. It’s easy to wonder: What’s next? How bad will this get? But here’s the truth—we’ve been here before, and we’ve made it through. Fear won’t protect us. Panic won’t change policies. The best thing to do right now isn’t to spiral—it’s to strengthen ourselves, stay focused, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Let’s talk about how to stay grounded, no matter what’s happening around us.

Step 1: Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t

One of the biggest causes of stress in uncertain times is the feeling of losing control. When major decisions are being made at the highest levels of government—decisions that could impact jobs, immigration, education, and basic rights—it’s easy to feel powerless. But here’s the truth: you are never completely powerless.

There’s a simple but powerful mindset shift that can make all the difference: control what you can, and release what you can’t.

We can’t personally stop 47 from signing executive orders, and we can’t force corporations to reinstate DEI initiatives. We also can’t single-handedly change the fact that some communities are now facing new restrictions or setbacks. However, what we can do is focus on the areas where we do have power—our personal lives, our finances, our mental well-being, and our communities.

Start by taking an honest look at where your energy is going. Are you spending hours doom-scrolling on social media, getting sucked into arguments that leave you feeling drained? Are you watching the news 24/7, letting every headline spike your anxiety? If it’s not helping you, it’s hurting you.

Instead, shift your focus to things that give you stability:
✔ Setting boundaries with news and social media
✔ Taking care of your mental and emotional health
✔ Strengthening your financial security
✔ Building your personal and professional skills

When you focus on what you can control, you take your power back. That’s how you stay grounded, no matter what’s happening in the world.

Step 2: Strengthen Your Stability

In uncertain times, stability is your greatest asset. When the world around you feels chaotic, the best thing you can do is make your personal foundation as solid as possible. The stronger your foundation, the less likely you are to be shaken by external events—political, economic, or otherwise.

Think of it this way: if a storm is coming, do you panic and hope for the best, or do you fortify your house, secure your belongings, and prepare? Right now, we’re in a political and social storm, and the best way to weather it is by reinforcing the key pillars of your life: financial, emotional, and physical stability.

Financial Stability

With so much uncertainty surrounding workplace diversity initiatives and economic shifts, now is the time to make sure your financial situation is as stable as possible.
✔ Start an emergency savings fund, even if you can only contribute a little at a time.
✔ Pay down debt where you can—less debt means more freedom.
✔ If your job feels uncertain, upskill and look for opportunities to create multiple income streams.

Emotional Stability

Stress and anxiety thrive in chaos, so build routines that ground you.
✔ Start the day with calming habits—prayer, meditation, journaling, or a quiet cup of tea.
✔ Limit negative conversations that leave you feeling drained.
✔ Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

Physical Stability

✔ Exercise regularly—stress builds up in the body, and movement helps release it.
✔ Prioritize sleep and nutrition—you need energy to navigate tough times.

By reinforcing these areas, you create a foundation of strength and resilience—one that will carry you through whatever comes next.

Step 3: Stay Engaged, but Don’t Drown in Negativity

In times like these, it’s natural to want to stay informed and involved. You want to know what’s happening, how it affects you, and what you can do about it. But there’s a fine line between being informed and being consumed by negativity. If every news update, tweet, or conversation leaves you feeling hopeless, you’re not staying engaged—you’re drowning.

Here’s the reality: politicians will make decisions whether you check the news five times a day or not. Social media will keep spinning, and the debates will keep raging. But you get to decide how much of your mental space you give to it.

Set Healthy Information Boundaries

✔ Limit how often you check the news. Maybe once in the morning and once in the evening is enough.
✔ Choose your sources wisely. Not every headline is worth your energy—stick to factual, well-researched journalism.
✔ Unfollow accounts that thrive on outrage. If all they do is amplify fear, they’re not helping you.

Channel Your Energy into Action

✔ If you’re worried about policy changes, support organizations fighting for the causes you believe in.
✔ Find ways to contribute locally. Sometimes, the biggest impact happens at the community level.
✔ Use your voice wisely. Engage in conversations that empower and educate, not just ones that drain you.

The goal is to stay aware without being overwhelmed. Keep your mind clear, your spirit strong, and your energy focused where it matters most.

Step 4: Grow Spiritually and Personally

When the world feels unstable, one of the most powerful things you can do is turn inward and focus on your own growth. While we can’t control the shifting political landscape, we can control how we respond to it. And the best response? Becoming the strongest version of yourself—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Tough times have a way of revealing what truly matters. They push us to reflect on who we are, what we stand for, and what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. Instead of letting fear dictate your mindset, use this moment as a catalyst for personal and spiritual development.

Reconnect with Your Spiritual Practices

✔ Whether it’s faith, meditation, prayer, or mindfulness, now is the time to nurture your inner peace.
✔ Spend time in quiet reflection—journaling, reading, or simply disconnecting from the noise of the world.
✔ Trust that while things may seem uncertain, you are not alone in this journey.

Invest in Your Personal Growth

✔ Read books that expand your mindset and resilience.
✔ Take courses or learn new skills that will empower you for the future.
✔ Work on your emotional intelligence—learn to respond, not just react, to challenges.

Find Purpose Beyond Politics

✔ Remember: your life’s mission is bigger than any election cycle.
✔ Seek out ways to make a difference in your community—mentorship, volunteering, supporting Black-owned businesses.

By strengthening your mind, soul, and purpose, you ensure that no external situation can break you. Stay rooted in growth, and you’ll remain unshakable no matter what comes next.

Step 5: Connect with Like-Minded People

In uncertain times, isolation can be dangerous. When you feel like the world is shifting in ways that threaten your sense of security and progress, it’s easy to retreat into fear, frustration, or even hopelessness. But the truth is, you don’t have to process these changes alone. Community is power.

Throughout history, people have navigated difficult political and social landscapes by leaning on each other. The Civil Rights Movement didn’t thrive because of one person—it thrived because of communities of like-minded people who supported, encouraged, and uplifted one another. Now is the time to find your people and strengthen those bonds.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

✔ Be intentional about spending time with people who share your values and help you feel empowered, not drained.
✔ Have open conversations with friends, family, or colleagues about what’s happening—sometimes, just knowing others feel the same way can ease the stress.
✔ Join groups (online or in-person) where you can discuss issues constructively and take action together.

Engage in Purposeful Connection

✔ Instead of just venting, brainstorm solutions with others—what can we do to make a difference?
✔ Get involved in local organizations that align with your beliefs and give you a sense of agency.
✔ Uplift others who may be feeling discouraged—your energy and optimism can be contagious.

In difficult times, the strength of your community can be the difference between feeling defeated and feeling determined. Don’t face this alone—connect, engage, and build a support system that fuels your resilience.

Step 6: Remember the Bigger Picture

Right now, it might feel like the world is unraveling. Policies are changing, progress seems to be rolling backward, and the future feels uncertain. But before you give in to despair, take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

History has shown us that progress is never a straight line—it’s a series of steps forward, followed by moments of resistance. Every great movement for change, from the Civil Rights Movement to the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, has faced pushback. But setbacks don’t erase progress—they remind us why we must keep pushing forward.

This Isn’t the End—It’s Another Chapter

✔ The fight for equality and justice has always been met with opposition, but that hasn’t stopped change from happening.
✔ Think about past generations—they faced extreme obstacles, yet they overcame. We are here because they didn’t give up.
✔ What we’re experiencing now is a test of endurance. It’s a reminder that real, lasting change takes persistence and resilience.

Focus on What Comes Next

✔ Instead of dwelling on frustration, ask yourself: What role can I play in shaping the future?
✔ Stay engaged in meaningful conversations, education, and action—this is how movements stay alive.
✔ Remember, no administration lasts forever. Policies can be reversed. But the strength of a determined people? That’s unstoppable.

The biggest lesson from history? Tough times create stronger, wiser, and more determined people. Stay focused, stay strong, and remember—we’ve been here before, and we will rise again.

Final Thoughts: We’ll Be Alright

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed right now. The rapid policy changes, the rollbacks on diversity initiatives, the attacks on birthright citizenship, and even the cancellation of Black History Month events—it all feels like a deliberate effort to erase progress and destabilize communities. The frustration, the fear, and the uncertainty are real.

But here’s the truth: this moment does not define us—our response to it does.

We have survived worse. Our ancestors fought through slavery, segregation, and legalized discrimination. They endured economic oppression, voter suppression, and systemic injustices far beyond what we see today. And yet, they didn’t break. Instead, they adapted, strategized, built, and kept moving forward—so that we could be here today.

Now it’s our turn.

This is not the time to panic or be consumed by fear. This is the time to build. Build your financial stability. Build your emotional resilience. Build your knowledge, your skills, and your ability to thrive no matter what policies are passed. Build strong communities, support systems, and spaces where people can come together and uplift one another.

We don’t have to wait for politicians to save us. We are our own best defense.

So ask yourself: What can I do today to protect my peace? How can I strengthen my foundation? How can I contribute to the progress I want to see? Stay focused. Stay grounded. And most importantly—keep moving forward.