By now, we know the outcome of Tuesday’s elections (hopefully), and have lived through another cycle of campaigns, yard signs, TV commercials, the 30-second radio spots, and social media posts.

I’ve found myself asking, “When will it all be over?” Given my role in the Division of Student Life, I’ve spent years helping registered student organizations plan political candidate or elected official visits. That is always non-partisan, hard work and never seems too political. Ironic, I know. It’s more about where the stage goes, when the candidate will arrive, the expected crowd size related to fire safety capacity, what door is designated as an emergency exit, or if candidates travel with security. While the political or electoral world is spiraling, I find it helpful to intentionally not focus on those topics. Instead, I turn my focus to what brings me joy.

Here is my list:

1. Living my faith. My faith grounds me in hope. Throughout personal trials, it has not failed.
2. Loving my family. After a long day (or late night) at work, there is nothing better for me than seeing the smiles of my two toddlers or discussing the day with my wife over a glass of good cabernet. The kids have an optimistic outlook on life, still so innocent, brave, and fearless. My wife challenges my perspective and is the best listener. All three bring me endless, immeasurable joy. The things a 1- and 3-year-old say and do, I fathom to understand. I love the good laugh of retelling their antics to anyone who will listen.
3. Cherishing my friendships. What a crowd, from all corners of the world! If someone would have listed the people I’d meet and consider friends when I left my little hometown of Vincent, Iowa, I never would have believed it. What’s the saying “… the best part of life is when your family becomes your friends, and your friends become your family.” I feel blessed that has been my experience. Whether it’s a friend I talk to every day, or those who fade in and out, the joy of having them all in my life is immense.
4. Valuing my colleagues and our commitment to students. We have a dedicated team in the Division of Student Life—people who care about people. That’s not cliché. It inspires me and makes me want to be part of the team’s good work.
5. Helping others. Buy someone a coffee. Mow a neighbor’s yard. Donate food to the food pantry. Give money to a charity. Send someone a card. Volunteer for a cause. Return a cart for someone at the grocery store. It’s amazing how a small deed can pivot a bad day.

Finally, two additional points. First, it is human and normal to sometimes become upset about the way the political world spins. I am. On those days, I look even more intentionally for joy in all the places it hides. Second, I believe it is OK to change your mind when it comes to politics or the way you see and experience the world. There seems to be a stigma around changing your mind, that it’s a bad thing. I think it means you are growing, listening, learning, and living.

So, when the political world seems too much to bear, find your bliss. A smile, a laugh, a phone call, a scent, a hot cup of coffee. Then, get back to advocating for the things you care about.

Cover photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash