Yesterday’s inauguration brought a tidal wave of emotions—fear, excitement, anger, relief, and everything in between.
Depending on who you ask, this new presidency is either a looming disaster or a beacon of hope. Some are dreading the next four years, while others are celebrating what’s to come. But here’s the thing: the inauguration itself didn't actually create any of those feelings. The new president didn’t generate fear or joy. And now, as policies are signed and decisions are made, the same truth applies—his actions aren’t the source of your emotional rollercoaster either.
It feels like they are, of course. It always does. That’s the illusion we all fall into—the belief that our emotions are coming from what's happening out there. But the truth is, feelings are always an inside job. Every single emotion we experience is coming from our thinking about the inauguration, the policies, and our predictions of the future. The president may sign an executive order, but our feelings about it come entirely from our thoughts in the moment.
Think about it: if policies or political decisions had the power to create emotions, wouldn't we all be feeling the same way about them? Yet here we are—same country, same president, same decisions—experiencing completely different reactions. The only reason for that difference? Thought.
One person might feel hopeless because they're caught up in thoughts of doom and disaster. Another might feel relieved and optimistic because their thoughts are focused on positive change. In both cases, it’s not the policy itself creating their emotional state; it’s their own thinking in real time.
And here's where it gets interesting—this understanding doesn't mean we become indifferent to what’s happening in the world. It simply means we start to see where our experience is really coming from. When we realize that our well-being isn’t dependent on the latest executive order or policy change, we gain a sense of stability that no political shift can take away.
This doesn’t mean we stop caring. We can still advocate, vote, and engage in meaningful discussions, but we do so from a place of clarity rather than reactionary fear or false hope. When we’re not caught up in the illusion that policies have the power to control our emotions, we’re able to take action with a clear mind and a steady heart.
The good news? Our peace, wisdom, and resilience have never been tied to who’s in office or what policies are in place. They are, and always have been, built into us. We are designed to navigate life with clarity, regardless of external circumstances.
So, whether today’s headlines fill you with dread or delight, take a step back and consider: is it really the news making you feel this way? Or is it your thinking about it? And what if, underneath all those swirling thoughts, you’re already okay?