The past couple of months have felt like a whirlwind. President Trump signed the Protecting Civil Rights and Expanding Individual Opportunity Executive Order (EO), federal workforce reductions surged, and corporate commitments to social impact seemed to shift overnight. For many of us, these rapid changes have left us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of what to expect next.

As a woman of color with a long history in political affairs and membership in a historically Black sorority, I have always believed in the importance of merit. I have witnessed firsthand the dedication required to become a leader. The most qualified individuals I’ve had the privilege to work with are those who have put in years of hard work, education, and dedication, often breaking barriers to become the only woman or person of color in leadership positions.

However, recent events challenged my perceptions. Despite my 26 years in political affairs and nearly 30 years of membership in a sorority committed to sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action, I found myself overwhelmed by the pervasive cloud of doubt.

How can I educate Americans about the importance of political engagement when some might question my qualifications simply because I’m Black? How can I speak out against injustice when some might deem my voice invalid because I’m a woman? How can I remain committed to my career and be innovative, when others undermine the 9,490 days I’ve dedicated to advancing in corporate America?

The confusion, frustration, and sense of helplessness continued to mount, and I found myself emotionally overwhelmed. I couldn’t hold back the tears during a conference call as I heard the impact these changes were having on a colleague. It reminded me of the movie Inside Out—when Anxiety spirals out of control and gets stuck in an endless loop. Eventually, Joy intervenes to regain control.

In that moment, I knew I needed to take action to regain my sense of peace and perspective. Here are four steps I took to bring myself back to balance and find clarity amidst chaos:

1. Take a Break
   I challenged myself to disconnect from cable news and social media for 24 hours. This brief break allowed me to step away from the noise and regain some mental clarity. The American Psychological Association published an article in 2022 on how media overload negatively impacts our mental health, offering practical steps to manage stress caused by constant headlines.
2. Journal
   Writing down my thoughts and emotions provided a sense of relief. Putting my feelings on paper allowed me to externalize my struggles and process the overwhelming emotions I was carrying. PositivePsychology.com highlights several mental health benefits of journaling, including improved emotional well-being and reduced stress.
3. Embrace Community
   I reached out to friends and family, sharing how I felt. It was comforting to realize that others in my community were experiencing similar emotions. By listening to each other, we were able to offer mutual support, encouragement, and check-ins that helped us all feel less isolated.
4. Make YOU a Priority
   Amidst all the external challenges, I had been neglecting myself. I scheduled time for self-care—whether it was getting a manicure, listening to an audiobook, or simply turning off my phone for a few hours. Prioritizing my well-being helped me regain focus and perspective.

In this new environment, it is crucial to remember what we can control. While there will always be external factors we can’t influence, we can choose how we respond. By taking care of our mental and emotional health, we can ensure that we remain resilient and able to continue our work advocating for justice, equity, and inclusion.