Last week, I posted something on LinkedIn that drew quite a lot of attention. That post was about the intense emotions many of us are experiencing in reaction to the political changes currently happening in the United States—anger, fear, despair—and how we can channel them into meaningful action. The response to the post was such that it made me realize just how much this topic is resonating right now. So, I wanted to expand on it in this month’s newsletter. In addition, I also decided to launch free Weekly Encouragement Sessions every Wednesday at 1PM EST—a place to recharge, share strategies, and step forward with courage. More information at the end of the newsletter.
How have you been feeling lately? If you’re anything like me, you might be cycling through waves of anger, frustration, sadness or even deep grief, fear, and helplessness coupled with hopelessness as you watch what’s happening in this country at this moment. The dismantling of systems we once relied on, the erosion of rights, the loss of jobs, the havoc being wreaked, the growing divisions—it’s a lot. And from conversations with colleagues, friends, and family, I know I am not alone in feeling this way.
Just this past week, a colleague shared about joining a collective protest dance at the Kennedy Center as a way to express and release their emotions. Another friend reached out, desperate to find protest activities she could join because she felt “isolated and alone” in her community. I participated in a call with fellow coaches and consultants, all grappling with how to support not just ourselves, but also our clients during these turbulent times. And not one but two close family members told me they were done mulling and festering and had decided to start channeling their anger into action.
That IS the secret. When we are feeling overwhelmed by anger or despair, the best antidote—as Alfred Adler taught us—is action.
The Power of Anger as Fuel for Change
Anger, when left unchecked, can lead to resentment, burnout, and cynicism, not to mention depression, anxiety and even health issues. There’s a difference between suppressing our anger--which is stuffing it in the hopes it disappears-- and parking it, which is about taking a time out to let the damaging waves wash over before taking action. Indeed, when harnessed correctly, anger and even more so rage or fury, can be one of the most powerful forces for change.
Think about the movements that have shaped history:
- The American Civil Rights Movement
- Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule
- The women’s suffrage movement
- The labor movements that fought for workers’ rights
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
None of these movements started from a place of complacency. They were driven by people who were deeply, righteously angry—and who used that anger to fuel meaningful action.
I don’t know about you, but I am no Gandhi or Martin Luther King. It takes bravery and courage to lead change. So, I keep reminding myself of Helen Keller’s words:
What can you and I do?
We can choose to turn Despair into Contribution.
If you disagree with what is happening in American politics right now, and if you feel despondent, angry, lost, or hopeless, here are some ways you can take action:
1. Double Down on Self-Care
You might have heard this Zen quote:
“Meditate for an hour every day unless you are too busy. In that case, meditate for two hours.”
This is not the time to abandon your self-care practices. When we’re overwhelmed, we tend to neglect the very things that keep us grounded—exercise, meditation, eating well, journaling, spiritual practices. Now is the time to do them more than ever.
2. Find Like-Minded People
Isolation can make despair worse. Seek out groups where you can safely express and process your emotions. This might be a place of worship, a book club, a professional organization, or even an informal gathering of friends. If you already belong to a community (a gym class, a choir, a mastermind group), recommit to showing up consistently. Connection is a lifeline in difficult times.
3. Use Your Strengths to Make a Difference
What are you uniquely good at? What skills or expertise can you bring to the world in a way that contributes to positive change? As a coach, I’ve joined a collective where coaches support each other in maintaining their own resilience so they can continue helping others. I’m also offering free coaching to people affected by recent political and social upheaval.
Whatever your profession or passion, there is a way to use it for good. Teachers can educate. Writers can inform. Artists can inspire. Lawyers can advocate.
4. Volunteer—Even in Unexpected Ways
It might seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to combat despair is to contribute—even in ways unrelated to the current crisis. Love animals? Volunteer at a shelter. Enjoy being in nature? Join a local cleanup crew. The simple act of giving can replenish your energy and remind you that you do have the power to make an impact.
5. Take Direct Political Action
If you’re upset about what’s happening in the country, do something about it:
- Attend protest marches
- Call or write to your local representatives
- Sign petitions
- Donate to organizations fighting for the causes you believe in
- Volunteer for a political campaign
- Use your voice on social media or in community discussions
Taking action—even in small ways—can help you reclaim a sense of agency. And it will make you feel better—guaranteed.
6. Laugh your angst away
When I lived in Paris in the 1970s, there was an ad campaign all over the city from the company "Les Bas Dim" (Dim Hosiery), famous for its fun and stylish pantyhose. The slogan was "La vie est trop courte pour s'habiller triste"--life is too short to dress sad.
The campaign featured images of models wearing colorful and playful hosiery. That motto has stayed with me throughout my life: when the going gets tough, double down on fun. Right now, we might not feel like laughing—at all. Things are not a laughing matter. In fact, I had even forgotten my own motto over the past month. But I’m recommitting to it now, with you as my witness, and I invite you to join me:
LET’S LAUGH OUR GLOOMINESS AWAY!!
I can hear you interject: “easier said than done when all you want to do is cry or yell!”. Correct. But there are ways, and here are some:
- Watch funny videos. Here’s my favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk9-gkT2bI8
- Join a laughter yoga class: https://www.laughteryoga.org/club/find-clubs-worldwide/
- Subscribe to a jokes newsletter
- Do some research and find funny movies - watch at least one a week! Here are a few if you need a jumpstart: the Monty Python movies, Charlie Chaplin movies, Laurel and Hardy, any movies with Bill Murray, Jim Carrey, or Will Ferrell...
- Go to Comedy Shows
- Read a funny book, for example: Good Omens (Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman), The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams), Me Talk Pretty One Day (David Sedaris), A Confederacy of Dunces (John Kennedy Toole), Bossypants (Tina Fey).
- Get together with friends and have a funny game night: Pictionary, Charades, HeadsUp, Twister, Telephone, Two truth and a lie, Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza.
When it comes to laughing, the edges of your mouth are the limit! You and I just have to remember to do it at least once a day. You can thank me later 😁
The Call to Action: What Will You Do?
As we reflect on how to channel our anger into action, it’s also worth considering another powerful force—love. February, the month of love, reminds us that even in times of turmoil, love can be a guiding principle. How can love inform the way we approach these challenges? How can we bring love into this equation? Love for our communities, love for justice, love for future generations—this kind of love can fuel our actions just as much as anger can. When we act from love, we not only resist what is wrong but also build something better in its place.
To close, I want to leave you with a few suggestions of songs that encapsulate the spirit of the topics in this newsletter:
Bob Dylan | About changing times LISTEN NOW
Patti Smith | About people having the power to redeem the work of fools LISTEN NOW
Michael Jackson | About the power of love to heal the world LISTEN NOW
This is not a time to be passive. This is a time to turn our frustration into fuel for meaningful change. I cannot leave you without sharing one of my favorite poems of Maya Angelou – a reminder that no matter what is being done to us, we always have the power to still, rise:
So, I ask you: How will you channel your anger? What action will you take today?
Let’s turn frustration into momentum—together.
With determination and hope,
WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT SESSION
Join me every Wednesday at 1PM EST for a FREE 60-minute Weekly Encouragement Session—a space to recharge, refocus, and reignite your courage.
What You’ll Get in These Sessions:
✔ A Midweek Check-in – Pause, breathe, and center yourself.
✔ Encouragement Strategies – Learn powerful tools to shift your mindset and stay motivated.
✔ Community & Connection – Be part of an uplifting space where support and inspiration fuel your week.
✔ More Courage & Hope – Walk away feeling stronger, more focused, and ready to take on what’s ahead.
This is for YOU if:
✔ You’re navigating challenges and need a boost.
✔ You want to stay aligned with your purpose.
✔ You love connecting with like-minded, forward-thinking individuals.
First Session: Wednesday, March 5
Live & Online | Free to Attend
Sign up now & bring a friend!
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