The long-awaited 2024 election has come to an end, signaling the beginning of a (not so) new reign in American politics. The outcome of this election had individuals across the nation either relieved or disappointed, but the results were indisputable.
Donald Trump won the popular vote in the majority of the United States in the election, with a total of 312 electoral votes and 50 percent of the popular vote. Kamala Harris came in behind with 226 electoral votes and 48 percent of the popular vote.
The deciding swing states of Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin were also all won by Trump. Despite the results, these two prominent candidates both waged intense campaigns centered on finding a sense of community and sharing their key beliefs. This election was certainly one that can be set apart from others, as it brought hope and engaged young voters, and voter engagement as a whole was exceptionally high.
As we carry on through these next four years, it is important to be mindful of our actions, especially when something doesn’t go the way we had hoped. People in this diverse community all have different needs, and we cope with these issues in varying ways. A large part of our everyday lives is interaction with others. To successfully get things accomplished, we need to have empathy for those around us and consider perspectives that might contrast with our own. Dealing with personal injustices in a thoughtful manner rather than making rash decisions and causing harm will always be the better route.
Staff members from The Wolf had varied responses to the election results.
“Political opinion doesn’t make up a person,” sophomore staff writer Sophia Ashley said. “It’s important to recognize that everyone has been through different situations and has different lived experiences. Maintaining perspective is one of the most important things we can do.”
Fold Editor Lea Olivares Raudes agreed that respecting others is critical to moving forward.
“It’s important to keep in mind that this is a time of change for everyone and that we should all give each other time and space and respect for each other’s opinions,” Olivares Raudes said. “During this time, it is pivotal to maintain focus on the things around you so that you remain true to what you believe in.”
Some things that are useful for improving mindfulness are reducing multitasking, slowing down, learning to be grateful for our privileges and finding ways to express emotions. Keeping our thoughts focused on what is currently happening helps to contain stress about things that are out of our control. A good way to release any toxic thoughts is to journal. Writing down pent-up frustrations can help you understand yourself, while simultaneously helping you track your progress and growth.
Junior staff writer Kayla Nguyen said that in order to keep her peace, “I keep my mind occupied with whatever is happening in the present and continue to spend my time doing the things I love.”
Although this is a time of change, we need to continue to set our priorities straight and focus on what truly matters. It is good to have structure in our lives, especially on days when we are unsure about what is going to happen next in the world. A daily routine is vital to keeping our minds at ease and ensuring that we are spending our time productively. Focus on things that are in your control rather than controlled by others.
Our physical and mental health are especially fragile in this stressful period, so it is imperative that we spend that extra time to care for ourselves and remember to keep doing the things that are important.
