The Intersection of Grief and Elections: A Conversation with Nida Allam
"Life is going to keep on lifing as we grieve, and we can hold it all at the same time. Let's hold our grief in one hand and this desire to move forward in the other. Let's name it as grief and face it head-on."
In this powerful episode of Grief'd Up, host Rebecca Feinglos takes a deep dive into the unexpected grief surrounding the recent election results. As someone who has faced significant personal losses, Rebecca opens up about the rage, frustration, and disappointment she feels with the political landscape, particularly the re-election of Donald Trump. She candidly shares her journey from a non-political family to becoming a politically active citizen, driven by a desire to help others through public service.
Rebecca reflects on her first encounter with election-related grief in 2016 and draws parallels to her current emotions, likening them to the grief she experienced during her divorce. She discusses the anticipatory grief leading up to the election and the profound sense of disconnection she now feels with the American identity. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of sitting with these feelings and understanding them before rushing into action, a lesson she has learned from past experiences with loss.
Joining Rebecca is Commissioner Nida Allam, who shares her personal journey of grief in politics, from losing a congressional race to the current election. Nida discusses the added layer of fear and grief she feels as a mother, fearing for her children's future in a divided country. Together, they explore the tension between acknowledging grief and the urge to move forward, highlighting the need for more good people to run for office and create change at the grassroots level.
Rebecca and Nida's conversation is a poignant reminder that grief is not linear, and it's essential to hold space for both grief and hope. They encourage listeners to acknowledge their grief, connect with others, and take action when ready, emphasizing that we can hold it all simultaneously.
Connect with Nida Allam:
ā—¸ Instagram: nidaallam.com
ā—¸ Website: @nidaallam
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Follow for more resources:
ā—¸ Instagram: @grieveleave
ā—¸ Website: grieveleave.com
ā—¸ To Listen to Rebeccaā€™s episode on the loss of her mother click HERE
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