Protect Your Peace
A lot has happened since Monday, January 20, 2025. For many of us, it feels like being blasted by an unrelenting firehose, unable to process everything coming at us. Sleepless nights, shock (even when we thought we couldn’t be shocked anymore), deep concern, and for some, fear, are beginning to paralyze our day-to-day activities.
Yes, I’m talking about the new administration now occupying the Oval Office of the United States of America.
As soon as the hand came off the Bible — oh wait, he didn’t place his hand on the Bible. Anyway, as soon as the swearing-in portion of the ceremony ended, the new president stepped up to the podium and delivered a speech that, according to reports, made heads turn. No, I didn’t watch it live, but I’ve since read the transcript.
By evening, executive orders were flying, and still flying, each signed with the bold signature of the 47th president. Among them:
- Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and the Paris Agreement.
- Declaring there are only two genders: male and female.
- Pardoning all January 6th insurrectionists and declaring a national emergency at the southern border.
- Ending DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs and freezing federal hiring.
- Declassifying records on the assassinations of President Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Curtailing immigration at the southern border and seeking to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
- Rolling back efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs, including the $2 prescriptions for seniors.
Oh, and let’s not forget mandating a full-time return to office for federal employees and freezing government hiring. Yeah, I know I’m repeating myself, and I’ve missed many from the stack of orders.
Your head might already be spinning. Your blood pressure might be rising. You might even find yourself calling on God for help. Let me pause here to say this: this isn’t about political parties. These executive orders impact everyone, although they’re not yet laws. That’s an important distinction to remember.
So, how do we protect our peace during this whirlwind of change? We’re less than seven days in as I write this, and yet, it already feels overwhelming. Here’s how I’m approaching it:
1. Pray
Seriously, pray. I believe in the power of prayer. The Bible I read says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16 TLB). Prayer grounds me, and it can ground you too.
2. Limit News and Social Media
We live in a 24/7 news cycle, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay plugged in. Turn it off. Shut it down. And social media? Be careful there too — it’s a breeding ground for misinformation. Vet your sources before you share anything or allow yourself to spiral into despair.
3. Decide What You Will and Won’t Do
Pick your battles. If something moves you to advocate, go for it — but set boundaries. Define what you’ll do, how you’ll do it, and for how long. And remember, “No” is a complete sentence.
4. Limit Political Conversations
I’m guilty of this one! My love for politics means I can talk about it all day, but I’ve made a commitment to cut back. It’s tough, but necessary, to protect my peace.
5. Be Selective About What You Consume
Choose books, movies, and shows that bring you joy. Watch comedy, romance, or something light and fun. At times, step away from political dramas like House of Cards or Designated Survivor. Protect your mental space.
6. Learn Something New
This is a great time to dive into a new hobby or skill. While I’d usually recommend learning about investments and trading (because it’s an incredible skill), it’s tied to the political landscape, so maybe try painting, running, crafting, carpentry, or even starting a new business.
7. Pray
Yes, prayer is that powerful. I intentionally bookended this list with it because it works.
In times like these, protecting your peace is essential.
If you need inspiration, download my book INSPIRE: A Call to Action on Amazon. It’s filled with ideas and encouragement to help you navigate these challenging times.
