A different type of exit poll may best characterize the most recent US presidential election cycle. In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory, many Americans began considering a different kind of exit. With Google searches for moving abroad hitting an all-time high, it’s clear that many of us are worried about what the next four years hold for the future of our democracy.

Emigrating to Canada or starting a new life in New Zealand may not be within reach for many of us, but healing, understanding, and peaceful co-existence with our fellow Americans is.

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.” –Dalai Lama

There’s no denying that many of our communities are polarized. Divisions have been drawn along political lines. Relationships have been strained. Personal peacemaking is the first step towards healing, overcoming divisions, and reunifying communities.

A divisive election result can threaten relationships, but it’s also an opportunity to develop empathy, open new communication channels, and create a space for respectful dialogue and understanding.

Try these tips to practice personal peacemaking for the greater good of your broader community:

• Giving ourselves grace:

Before contributing to our community, we must show ourselves grace and process our disappointment or sense of loss. Acknowledging feelings and allowing ourselves time to adjust to our new reality.

• Be Empathetic:

We may not all hold the same political views or share the aspirations of our neighbors, but we can look for points of commonality and be empathetic to the experiences of others.

• Practice Active Listening:

Genuinely listening to someone isn’t just about hearing their words. It’s also about understanding other perspectives, even if they don’t align with ours. Practicing active listening to develop a sense of mutual respect and understanding.

• Building Bridges within Our Communities:

Despite political differences, we all share common community values that can help us build a stronger sense of connection and community. Seeking out opportunities to build bridges and unite our community communities builds respect and trust. That could look like fundraising for a local sports team, organizing a food bank for those in need, or even litter picking in the park.

• Encourage Inclusivity:

Giving everyone a voice is a bedrock of democracy. Encouraging inclusivity within our communities to promote post-election healing and peacemaking. Whether at a local town hall meeting or a community event, be intentional about giving a voice to different groups and alternative perspectives.

Life is a shared journey, and the simple, everyday acts of personal peacemaking indeed hold the power to transform our world. We create ripples that extend far beyond ourselves by choosing understanding over judgment, compassion over division, and patience over frustration.

Each act of peace we nurture within our hearts, no matter how small, contributes to a larger harmony, building a world where kindness and connection can thrive. Through these quiet, intentional choices, we find the foundation of a better, more compassionate world — when we cultivate peace within, we help heal the world around us.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Listening: The Art of Peacemaking and Diplomacy with The Nobel Peace Center or wherever you get your podcasts.

GUEST BIO: Kjersti Fløgstad is the Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, where she focuses on using the Nobel Peace Prize to inspire peace through dialogue, a principle central to many laureates’ work. With a background spanning NGOs and business, Fløgstad was Secretary General of UNICEF Norway (2000–2011) and chair of Care Norway’s board. She later worked as a business consultant specializing in sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility before joining the Nobel Peace Center in 2020 after a role at DNB, the largest bank in Norway.

The Nobel Peace Center published a small book of significant importance about the power of dialogue entitled Those Who Listen, Change the World.

This episode is part of The Good Citizen’s Election Season Survival Guide to Restoring Common Sense and Sanity in a Crazy World — produced in collaboration with renowned, fair-minded subject matter experts who provide strategies that enhance critical thinking, increase civic engagement, and foster healthy pleasure to boost personal well-being and relationship satisfaction.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.