The welcoming of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States raises some interesting questions about change and acceptance. There are many individuals, both liberals and conservatives, who don’t find Mr. Trump to be a legitimate candidate to be in the highest position of the United States government. This was evident at the numerous protests that occurred on the day of his inauguration – some which turned violent resulting in multiple arrests and vandalism of property.
Look folks – I understand accepting a candidate of this nature is difficult – but why not give this guy a chance? Change occurs every day of our lives. There are things that have occurred in our lives to date that we had to deal with. Sometimes change can be good – sometimes bad.
The fact that change occurs is beyond our control. There is nothing we can do to control the environment. This is fact. The only thing we can do – and you have heard this before – is control our reaction and emotions to change.
Violent resistance to change that occurred during the Trump inauguration is unacceptable behavior. In fact, it is cowardly. I can understand peaceful protests putting up signs and walking around holding hands to make a point – but violent resistance? C’mon!
One of the most amusing things I find given the inauguration is that the people protesting are doing so under no context. People of the United States voted for him – he just got sworn in and didn’t do anything wrong. He took his oath – but didn’t even make a Presidential decision that would cause a protest. In fact, he seemed a bit more humble in his inauguration speech in my opinion – though lacking that spark and enthusiasm – but it seemed to be a bit down to earth to me. I mean what more do you expect from a guy who is a business man with limited experience giving big speeches?
The bottom line is that people should be protesting over bigger reasons – and doing so in ways that are not violent. The Trump selection was made based on the highest number of electoral votes based on the way the election system is set up. Mr. Trump was himself the whole election period and those who voted for him found acceptance in his behavior. Mrs. Hillary Clinton just didn’t do enough to win the people over. Mr. Trump was the underdog and he won. Mr. Trump had no government experience and he won. Mr. Trump, despite all his flaws and imperfections, was himself through-out the election and he won.
Sometimes change is unfair. I want sunny days but it sometimes needs to rain. I want things to go on time, but there are delays. I want my sports team to win, but they can’t even make it into the playoffs. I want my friends and family to behave a certain way but they sometimes do what is best for them. I want to see faster execution in my current project, but things will just move slowly as is. These are just some examples if things not in our control. The Trump selection is not in our control (unless you voted for him). This is not a reason to get upset, stomp your feet, raise your voice, get angry, increase your blood pressure, throw furniture around, kick the walls or set things on fire.
So, what do you do to build a lifestyle of acceptance? Here are three ideas:
- Realize that all change is temporary. Just like Mr. Obama was in the front office for 8 years, Mr. Trump will be there for at least 4 years and then – who knows – someone new may come in. Time creates good change and bad. New events replace old ones. You are changing as a person – getting older, trying new things, moving. Even when you are sitting still – your mind is wandering – new thoughts come in and out. New ideas get generated. Old habits can be destroyed and new habits started. Your change is temporary as well.
- Realize decisions other people make is beyond your control. When you were growing up other people made decisions for you. Your boss will make decisions for you as an employee. Your customer will drive decisions for your business. Your government will make decisions that will impact how your live, interact, and think. You have to learn to adjust, adapt and accommodate to decisions other people make. You can react negatively or positively to change. You can create change by running for office, performing petitions, and executing peaceful protests.
- Realize that the one thing between you and a grim situation is your attitude towards it. Many people fear that change is harmful. You think decisions other people make will hurt you. Build a mindset of positive thinking. What do you have a fear from other people’s foolish behaviors? Create an inner world of good and your outer world will be something you will look forward to everyday – no matter what change is presented to you.