Whether you voted for Trump or not, some disconcerting things are happening in this country. Refusal to help a United Nations ally, Ukraine, mass firings of Federal workers, ending cancer research and the grants for many other scientific studies, firing all the generals and other heads of the military, and replacing them with people who have promised they would “kill for” Trump. On the campaign trail, Trump promised last November in 2024, that it would be the last time we needed to vote – ever again! And, that his second term would be “the apocalypse.”

Disasters fascinate me as much as they terrify me – BUT, living through a presidency that just enjoys causing chaos and creating an apocalypse is crazy! I never, ever thought THIS was how the apocalypse would happen.

So, if you’re concerned about a “Trumpocalypse” (or any political turmoil), the best approach is to focus on resilience, adaptability, and community support. Here are some key survival strategies:

1. Political Participation

• Know Your Rights: If civil liberties are threatened, staying informed is crucial.
• Fight for the freedom of the press.
• Talk to people who see things differently than you and find out why they view it differently.  
• Stay on top of the news, but limit social media and doom-scrooling. Fake news thrives on social media as well as many well-followed newscasting programs. Find out who is funding or in control of a news channel or social media site because they may be pulling the strings on every post or article (Elon Musk is in charge of “X”).
• Try to look to avoid seeing individuals and political parties as black and white. There is lot of middle ground and many people on either political side are more moderate than you might anticipate.
• Take what politicians say with a grain of salt. Look at what they are actually doing and have done, rather than what they promise to do or say they have done. If a politician says something is a lie that he/she has been accused of, ask yourself if he/she has a reason to say that. What does that politician have to gain? What do they care about?

2. Long-Term Planning

• If necessary, have a backup plan for moving (whether to another state or even abroad).
• Vote, advocate for policies you support, and educate others. Talk to people who have different beliefs than you and find out why.
• Skills like gardening, first aid, and basic survival tactics can be invaluable.

3. Start Learning Critical Skills and Building Your SHTF Community Now

• Gardening and homesteading can take a few years to master, so start now.
• Consider learning and practicing basic survival tactics, evasion, and martial arts.
• Make a list of all the people you would want and need to be with you in an apocalyptic-like scenario. Figure out where you would meet, how they would get there, and what they would need to bring.

4. Work on Your Fitness

• Don’t attempt washboard abs or a 1% body fat. You might need those extra fat stores in case of economic collapse. Often the ones who last the longest on the TV series, “Alone,” are the ones who mindfully gained weight before heading out into the Alaskan wilderness. But I also wouldn’t recommend being over a BMI of 25 for women, as this can lead to sluggishness and health problems.
• If you’re out of shape now, start with a 30-minute walk daily and light weights 3 x a week.
• Then increase gradually to 10,000 steps a day and increase your weight amounts every week or so. Your phone has many apps you can download that can track miles and steps. I use Runkeeper, a free app Aesics offers, and it also will track how many miles you use your running or walking shoes.
• Add in more leafy greens and other veggies, plus lean protein to help speed up muscle recovery and building.

5. Mental & Emotional Fortitude

• Limit Doomscrolling: Stay informed but avoid overwhelming negativity.
• Meditation, exercise, and social support help maintain mental resilience.

6. Physical and Home Security

• Know Your Rights: If civil liberties are threatened, staying informed is critical.
• Community Networks: A strong local network can provide mutual aid and security.
• Home Preparedness: Secure your home, have emergency plans, and ensure you have essentials like backup power and medical supplies.

7. Financial Resilience

• Diversify Income: If political instability affects the economy, having multiple income streams (e.g., freelancing, rentals, side businesses) can provide security.
• Minimize Debt: Pay off high-interest debt and avoid unnecessary financial risks.
• Stockpile Essentials: Inflation or supply chain disruptions could occur, so having extra food, water, and medicine is wise.
• Invest Wisely: Consider assets that retain value during economic downturns (e.g., real estate, gold, or recession-resistant stocks).

Please leave a message. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what you’re doing to prepare and what you think about our current political situation.