It is November 15, 2016, Donald Trump is the president elect of the United States. Whether you like him or not, voted for him or not, it doesn’t matter, this is the reality. A week after the election, there has been an outpouring of communications: calls, emails, and social media posts. Emotions are running high, with people expressing the full array of feelings. As I read these messages, though, I have noticed that there are generally two types of things being communicated and each one leaves me with a very different set of feeling and sense of empowerment.

I am tracking two different types of memes. The first is reactive, full of negative emotions spanning from hopelessness and despair to anger and outrage. This group of memes have a win/lose perspective, viewing Trump’s win as a complete loss to what they believe in and to the future of the United States. The second, communicates that all is not lost, that we can and must hold on to our values and continue to take positive actions towards bringing about the changes we want to see. These communications have a Thrive and Help Thrive perspective, communicating that we need to seek solutions that are less of an either/or and more of a win/win for a broader range of citizens. While it is understandable that there could be very intense, negative emotional reactions to such a divisive election, I find that these communications leave me feeling dejected, listless, and disempowered. Alternatively, the second meme group inspires me, motivates me to take action, and reminds me that others aren’t giving up, so neither can I.

By their very nature, elections are win/lose for the candidates running, but why does that have to be the case for the country as a whole? This presidential election, in particular, has been incredibly divisive. As a psychologist and coach, I have witnessed, first hand, increased levels of anxiety and fear and am concerned about the potential price Americans will have to pay in the aftermath of this election.

Almost everyone seems convinced that if the other candidate were to win, it would be disastrous. In fact, many voters are not happy with either option. They feel that instead of voting for the candidate of their choice, they are voting for the lesser of two evils, making the election not even win/lose, but in fact a lose/lose proposition.

"Family owned businesses generate 60% of the country's employment and 78% of jobs created." -- Bloomberg

MPower Radio invited Emily Bouchard to share insights about family businesses and the complex dynamics families face, such as:

[Note: This article by Emily Bouchard first appeared with the title "What to do About Guilt" in StepMom Magazine]