What Comes Next is Your Mindset

This afternoon I was conversing with my girlfriend Hope Katz Gibbs about today’s Republican Passage of the Big Beautiful Bill which is predicted to have major negative impact on millions of Americans, now and the years to come. She commented “what comes next is our mindset” and it so resonated with me I knew immediately we had to write about it!

The recent passage of The Big Beautiful Bill, a sweeping policy reshaping [community resources, economic priorities, or individual rights—depending on who you ask], has stirred a storm of emotions. For many, it’s a source of fear, concern, or overwhelm, as its implications ripple through our lives. These feelings are real and valid. But in the face of uncertainty, one truth stands firm: your mindset shapes what comes next. By cultivating inner peace and taking proactive steps, you can navigate this turbulent moment and become a catalyst for positive change. Here’s how to find peace in the worst of times and take control to influence a better future.

#### Finding Peace Amidst the Storm

Inner peace is a powerful antidote to chaos. These strategies can help you stay grounded, even when the world feels unsteady:

1. Practice Mindful Acceptance

Name your emotions without letting them define you. Fear and overwhelm grow when suppressed, but acknowledging them—through journaling, meditation, or a quiet moment—can loosen their grip. Try this: sit for five minutes, focus on your breath, and let thoughts pass like leaves on a stream. This simple practice can create space for clarity and calm.

2. Curate Your Information Diet

The 24/7 news cycle can amplify anxiety. Be selective about what you consume. Limit exposure to sensationalist headlines about The Big Beautiful Bill to a 15-minute daily check-in, using reputable sources like government websites or nonpartisan reports. Fill the rest of your time with uplifting content—podcasts, books, or conversations that spark hope.

3. Connect with Community

Fear thrives in isolation; connection builds resilience. Share your concerns with friends, family, or local groups. For example, Hope and I have joined with other friends who have been overwhelmed by the bill’s potential impact on education and have found solace in discussions as a group and with like minded colleagues. Joining or starting a similar group—online or in-person—can remind you that you’re not alone. You are welcome to join ours. Let us know if you are interested.

#### Taking Control to Influence Change

Peace lays the foundation, but action builds the future. Here are three ways to channel your energy into meaningful impact:

1. Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge empowers. Dive into the details of The Big Beautiful Bill—its provisions, supporters, and effects—using credible sources like policy briefs or official statements. Share what you learn through accessible channels: a social media post, a community newsletter, or a coffee-shop chat. Educating others sparks informed action.

2. Engage with Decision-Makers

Your voice can shape policy. Contact elected officials to share your perspective on the bill. Write a concise letter, make a phone call, or attend a town hall, clearly stating what you want changed or preserved. For instance, a well-crafted email to your senator about the bill’s community impact can amplify your influence. Every message counts.

3. Support or Build Movements

Change starts with collective action. Join existing campaigns, like those on platforms like Change.org or local advocacy groups addressing the bill’s effects. If no group aligns with your vision, start one—organize a petition, host a community forum, or launch a hashtag to raise awareness. Small actions, like a neighborhood meetup, can grow into powerful movements.

#### Reframing the Future: Your Mindset Matters

The Big Beautiful Bill may feel like an unstoppable wave, but your response can shape its ripples. By finding peace through mindfulness, intentional media choices, and community connection, you build resilience. By taking action—educating, advocating, and organizing—you reclaim agency. What comes next isn’t just the bill’s fallout; it’s the mindset you choose to carry forward.

Key Takeaways:

- Acknowledge your emotions with mindfulness to find calm amidst fear.

- Limit sensationalist media and seek balanced information about the bill.

- Connect with others to share concerns and build support.

- Educate yourself and others to spark informed action.

- Advocate to decision-makers and join or start movements to drive change.

Choose peace as your strength and action as your legacy. Together, we can transform overwhelm into opportunity and fear into hope.