After the Election: Finding Power in Awareness, Resistance and Personal Transformation
- Paris
- Feb 5
- 11 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Introduction
This blog is a resource for those who are now seeing the cracks in the system and simply trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding. There's a chart of latest executive orders, what they mean for everyday Americans, and more importantly how we can stay grounded, protect our energy, and take meaningful action. This isn’t just about politics; it’s about power, wealth, and resilience in the face of oppression. If you’re ready to fight back, not just by resisting but by expanding your own energy and leaning into what you can control, let’s dive in.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of my employer or any affiliated organizations. All content is based on my personal research, analysis, and perspectives. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and form their own conclusions.
What’s Happening in the US and Why Does It Matter?
I left social media after the election results were final. I even made a post declaring severance from any peer that voted red (I can’t even write his name). However, I realized that with privilege comes responsibility to fight for human rights no matter what.
That means having conversations with people who voted red (so long as my safety and mental health aren’t at serious risk) and continue encouraging people to do research and challenge the old paradigms.
So, for peers who voted red or didn’t vote at all, and who are starting to get a sense of how things are not changing for the better...I’d like to give you a place to read what’s happening and how this administration’s choices are affecting the nation. This is not to scare anyone. This is to share potential implications of these oppressive orders. Please note, I am not a journalist. Continue to do your own research, as I am in the process of doing so myself.
For peers who already know and understand what’s happening, I encourage you to skip the executive order breakdown. No need to relive it. Protect your peace. Drink your water and skip to the next section.
The recent executive orders have led to widespread debate, panic, confusion, fear and concern. Here's an overview of the most significant orders so you can begin to familiarize yourself with what’s happening.
Executive Order | Action | Implications | Opposition Efforts |
Elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs | Terminated federal DEI initiatives, placing related staff on leave. | Potential reduction in workplace diversity and inclusivity efforts; critics argue this may reverse progress in civil rights and equal opportunity. | Civil rights organizations and some state governments have filed lawsuits challenging the termination, arguing it violates constitutional protections against discrimination. |
Restrictions on Gender-Affirming Care | Halted federal funding to hospitals providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 19. | Several hospitals ceased treatments, leaving transgender youth without necessary healthcare; legal challenges have been initiated, citing violations of constitutional rights. | LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, along with several states, have filed lawsuits against the order, claiming it infringes on individual rights and state autonomy in healthcare decisions. |
Rescission of Employment Non-Discrimination Protections | Revoked protections prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating based on various identities. | Removes affirmative action requirements for federal contractors, potentially affecting workplace diversity and equal employment opportunities. | Labor unions and civil rights organizations are mobilizing to challenge the order through legal action and public campaigns, emphasizing the importance of workplace equality. |
Attempt to Abolish the Department of Education | Initiated steps to significantly reduce or close the U.S. Department of Education. | Could disrupt federal funding for schools and student loans; faces legal and political challenges, as many programs are mandated by Congress. | Education advocates, teachers' unions, and bipartisan members of Congress have expressed strong opposition, with some lawmakers proposing legislation to protect the department's functions. |
Revocation of Birthright Citizenship | Signed an order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. | Challenges the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause; legal battles are underway, with opponents arguing it's unconstitutional. | Twenty-two states and the American Civil Liberties Union have filed lawsuits against the order, leading to federal courts temporarily blocking its implementation. |
Federal Funding Freeze | Paused federal grants to review spending on programs related to "transgenderism and wokeness." | Caused disruptions in services like Medicaid and Head Start; legal experts question the legality of this move, citing potential overreach of executive power. | Democratic lawmakers and affected organizations have challenged the funding freeze in court, arguing it violates the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 and oversteps executive authority. |
Tariff Increases on Imported Goods | Increased tariffs on various imports, particularly from China and Mexico. | Higher costs for goods, impacting industries like technology, automobiles, and agriculture; consumers may face price increases on everyday items. | Business groups, trade associations, and some members of Congress are advocating against the tariffs, citing concerns over economic impacts and potential trade wars. |
There’s more...
Removal of Reproductive Health Information from Federal Websites
Action: Ordered the removal of reproductive health resources from federal websites, including ReproductiveRights.gov.
Implications: Limits public access to information on reproductive rights and services, potentially hindering individuals seeking guidance on these issues. cbsnews.com
Healthcare Policy Reversals
Action: Rescinded previous policies aimed at reducing drug spending by Medicaid and Medicare.
Implications: May lead to increased prescription drug costs for people, affecting affordability and access to necessary medications. maynardnexsen.com
Immigration Enforcement Intensification
Action: Issued orders to expand immigration enforcement, including increased deportations and stricter asylum policies.
Implications: Heightened fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, potential family separations, and legal challenges concerning human rights. politico.com
Hope in Action: How We Can Stand Strong and Fight Back
In addition to staying off social media (for now), I am taking a new approach to staying informed. I am disheartened, fearful, and uncertain about the future when I read the news. AND I choose not to get caught up in the riptide. I am staying informed in a way that makes sense for my mental health. We cannot obsess over the news or we will have no energy left to fight. So, I choose to give my life force energy to creating rather than consuming. I chose to give my life force energy to taking care of my finances and protecting my family, my job, my friends, and my gut health at all costs.
You might be thinking, 'Paris, all hope is lost. How can we do anything but survive and watch the world burn?' My dear friend, I hear you. I feel it too. Some days, the weight of it all feels unbearable. But I've learned that keeping in touch with my emotions is actually what keeps me from withering in despair.
So, I’d love to share some thoughts on how I’m navigating this ebb and flow, finding ways to stay with feelings of hope rather than sinking into stagnation.
Here’s are some reminders that I hope help you:
Executive Orders Aren't Laws
Let’s clarify a crucial point: executive orders do not automatically become law. Many of these orders will and already are facing legal challenges, congressional pushback, and public resistance. Lawsuits are already being filed to block some of the most damaging policies, and history has shown that public pressure and grassroots activism can significantly impact how policies unfold. We cannot resign our rights in advance. The worst thing we can do right now is accept defeat before the fight has even begun.
Money Helps Resistance Efforts
While not everyone has the time, energy, or resources, to be on the front lines, donating to organizations fighting against these policies can be just as powerful.
If you are in a position to use your dollars to participate in the fight, I encourage you to consider some of the following organizations.
Even $1 makes a difference because money is energy. Even fifty cent donated with great intentionality sends a powerful energetic signal to the universe that you are not okay with what’s going on. Before you donate, take a minute to feel into the vibration of what $1 can become if you and all your friends made the contribution. Feel into the energy of what money can do for positive change.
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union): Fighting for civil liberties, including reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and voting rights. aclu.org
Planned Parenthood: Providing reproductive healthcare and advocacy for abortion rights. plannedparenthood.org
RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services): Protecting immigrant families and asylum seekers. raicestexas.org
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund: Defending the rights of transgender individuals under attack. transgenderlegal.org
National Network of Abortion Funds: Helping people access abortion care in states with restrictive laws. abortionfunds.org
There are so many more! Remember, donations to registered charities and nonprofit organizations (like the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, RAICES, etc.) are tax-deductible if they are recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. If that just blew your mind, then it’s time to start learning more about how money works! (I say that with love, because I am on this journey too!)
Money Helps YOU Expand
If there was ever a time to unpack your money beliefs, financial trauma and start believing that you are WORTHY of more money it’s now. I get it, we associate money with dirty scummy Tesla-driving, people. But then there is Taylor Swift. We need to get money into the hands of more good hearted people who have the power to make change with their dollars --THAT MEANS YOU. And no, I don’t mean, let’s make you rich and force you to start a grassroots campaign and save the world or become the next blonde billionaire singing ROMEO SAVE ME.
First off, because this is a feminist blog and we don’t want Romeo to save us. We want Romeo to feed us grapes and cheese on an island, while simeltaneously brushing our hair. (Or better yet, profit off of simply singing about Romeo knowing full well you're fine on your own.)
Second, because you don’t need to start a nonprofit to have massive influence. You becoming the first millionaire in your family, breaking a generational cycle of middle class mindset and creating safety for yourself, friends, and loved ones is how you change the world.
The current administration is designing every move to make us shrink. Do not give them the satisfaction! When you focus on yourself, and especially on wealth, you expand, take up more space, and vibrate at a higher frequency.
This won’t happen overnight but you can start to shift your energy to align with being worthy of more money right now. Yes, even in this political climate. Especially if activism is overwhelming to you. I encourage you to focus on yourself and put your efforts towards understanding the energetics of money, your beliefs around your worth and what’s possible for you.
Challenge the belief that the economy drives what you are able to make
Challenge your money blocks and limiting beliefs
Look into creating a savings plan, emergency funds, and other tactics for building wealth. (I love listening to Amanda Frances, The Money Queen and Tori Dunlap, The Financial Feminist for empowering content amidst the political crisis.)
Challenge the idea that you are ungrateful if you raise your prices, ask for a raise, or seek roles that provide the most benefit and safety to your well-being. It’s time to ask for a market adjustment, a raise, a promotion, to be compensated for your worth.
Grassroots Movements are Mobilizing Right Now
If you’re looking for ways to get directly involved, these movements are leading the charge against harmful policies:
Mutual Aid Networks: Communities across the U.S. are organizing to provide food, housing, legal aid, and support to those affected by new policies.
Reproductive Justice Coalitions: Groups like SisterSong and Indigenous Women Rising are fighting for reproductive rights, specifically for marginalized communities.
Immigrant Defense Networks: Local organizations are providing legal support and direct assistance to undocumented individuals facing deportation threats.
State-Level Resistance: Many states and cities are declaring themselves sanctuaries for abortion rights, transgender care, and immigrant protections. A quick google search can tell you what is going on in your state.
Again there are so many more, but you must go looking for them. The media typically does not share this information.
Personal Transformation and Shifting Your Energy is Powerful
This administration, cosplaying as a wannabe oligarchy, is being so overtly oppressive in their actions so that people cannot help but isolate and feel hopeless. We must reject that default. Isolation breeds despair and suffering. Hopelessness leads to inaction.
Feel your feelings. I am not suggesting we repress and act like nothing is wrong. I am saying the pain we feel is powerful information and we must not become complacent.
Let the pain flow through you. Experience it fully. Break down, cry, scream, shake your fists at egg prices and the billionaires who seek to break your spirit. Truth be told, that’s the secret to actually having more energy and getting back into alignment with yourself, your power and inspired action. You MUST feel the pain first. It’s only then that you can mobilize in a different direction.
I bring up emotions and managing your vibrational state as a method for fighting this regime because it’s something we all have control over - and that’s a big deal right now.
Fear, doubt, hopelessness are all emotions that have a very low vibration. These energetic states block the flow of higher vibration states like inspiration, abundance, and vitality unless you acknowledge them, honor them and then release them in pursuit of a new feeling.
Fear and scarcity create contraction, where you hold back, hesitate, and operate from a place of lack. And while fear is an emotion you can process, in order to truly make change, we need to address the beliefs that hold us in a perpetual state of fear. So, if you cannot make donations or participate in grassroots efforts right now, you CAN start to take care of your mind. That is activism when it comes to this political fight.
Collective consciousness, the shared belief that we can create change, has led to some of the most powerful movements in history. From the Civil Rights Movement to marriage equality to recent labor strikes, change happens when people take care of themselves, their people and refuse to accept oppression as inevitable. It starts with the belief that you still have agency.
Here’s some creative ways to maintain our power, shift our energy to align with hope and agency:
✨ Prioritize Your Health: Add a healthy healing practice to your routine such as walking, getting sunshine or making a nutrient-dense soup for dinner! It’s important that you remember you do not need to start harsh diets right now. This wisdom comes from Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of holistic healing that suggests we need to add healthy habits into our life before we can subtract. This makes taking care of ourselves far more sustainable!
✨ Learn About Human Design: Understanding your energy type can help you align with your natural strengths, improve decision-making, and create more ease in how you manifest and align with your healthiest, and wealthiest self.
✨ Tackle Money Beliefs: Reflect on any limiting beliefs about money! You can start by asking yourself: if having money wasn’t wrong or evil, and no one would be mad at me for having a ton of it, what would I want? If I had to argue in a court of law that I deserve massive amounts of wealth, what would I present as evidence? (Thank you, Amanda Frances for this prompt!)
✨ Just ASK: Advocate for yourself by asking for what you need—PTO, a raise, a refund, an upgrade, or a lower bill. You might be surprised at what you receive.
✨ Sign Up for a High-Yield Savings (HYS) Account: Maximize your savings by taking advantage of higher interest rates and better returns on your money simply by saying SEE YA NEVER, BoA and put your savings into a HYSA.
✨ Channel Your Higher Self: Visualizing and embodying your best self is a powerful way to shift your vibrational state into hope and believability, reinforcing positive outcomes in your life! This is one of my favorite practices and it takes some time to get used to but it’s more fun than meditating to me and it shifts my mental state every time.
Be with your emotions and be with each other. It's the only way through.
"Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are my own and do not reflect the views, policies, or positions of my employer or any affiliated organizations. All content is based on my personal research, analysis, and perspectives. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and form their own conclusions.
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