Surviving Trump’s 2025 Inauguration: Mourning Jimmy Carter and the Return of Chaos

Trump Insurrection Photo by: Colin Lloyd @onthesearchforpineapples Unsplash

Today is January 6th. A date that marks the 2020 failed coup attempt, when Donald Trump and his (scary as hell) right-wing cronies violently tried to overthrow the government so he could stay in power after losing the vote.

And yet, here we are again. In just two weeks, Donald Trump will be sworn in. Crowned might be more accurate—for his second term as president.

I wake up every morning thinking: What the actual fuck? How did we get here?

Flags at Half-Staff: A Visual Statement Trump Can’t Control

This year the flags are flying at half-staff to honor the death of former president Jimmy Carter—the peanut farmer’s son, a man who embodied humility, compassion, and service. A human who lived by his values, and whose legacy couldn’t be more opposite from Trump—the slumlord’s son who thrives on chaos and divisiveness.

Unsurprisingly, Trump is already losing it. He went on a social media rant Friday, complaining about the flags and blasting his opponents for laughing about it. “The Democrats are all ‘giddy’ about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at ‘half mast’ during my Inauguration,” he wrote. “They think it’s so great. They’re so happy about it because, in actuality, they don’t love our Country. They only think about themselves.”

Huh. Really? They only think about themselves?

And it’s not the first time Trump has freaked out over flags. In 2018, he initially refused to lower the flag for John McCain—until public pressure essentially forced him to—simply because he didn’t like the man (who, by the way, stood up for The Affordable Care Act).

Now, once again, a flag isn’t obeying his ego.

Trump’s Ego vs. The Reality of Mourning

The media hasn’t missed this moment either. The New Republic nailed it: “Given Trump’s general obsession with appearances, such as the crowd size at his first inauguration, he may well feel emasculated by a half-mast American flag at his second one.” And they’re right. For someone who thrives on spectacle, nothing says “you’re not the main character” like flags that refuse to celebrate his crowning.

Or, as Whoopi Goldberg said earlier today: “Jimmy Carter didn’t intend to die and mess up your day, sir. It ain’t always about you.” Gotta love it. You go, Whoopi.

Today the flags feel like a quiet nod of respect for what January 6th represents. An unspoken rejection of chaos and contempt. Because of the timing of Jimmy’s death, they’ll also be flying at half-staff on Jan 20th when Trump puts his hands on the Bible.

And here’s the kicker: there’s not a damn thing Trump can do about it.

It’s perfect, really. Thank you, Jimmy, for giving us a visual of how many of us see this inauguration—this crowning of capitalism, chaos, and greed. The flags at half-staff say it all. Much of the country—hell, much of the world—is in mourning over the upcoming inauguration of Trump.

If you’re feeling like the emperor is naked while so many in our country insist he’s decked out in designer threads—and ties that are way too long—you’re not alone. It’s exhausting to see the truth so clearly when so many others seem hell-bent on denying it.

So how do we survive the next four years? How do we stay grounded, sane, and hopeful in the face of so much uncertainty?

Here’s what I’m holding onto—and what I hope can help you too.

Small Pleasures Photo by: Alisa Anton @alisaanton Unsplash

How to Stay Sane Through Trump 2.0

Step 1: Feel It All (Even When It Hurts)

Grief. Rage. Fear. Exhaustion. Whatever you’re feeling right now is valid. Don’t let anyone tell you to “move on” or “focus on the positive.” This is hard, and those emotions deserve space.

Burying your feelings doesn’t make them go away—it just ensures they’ll come out sideways, whether through irritability, anxiety, or complete shutdown. Take time to acknowledge what’s coming up.

• Journal it out.

• Say it out loud to someone who gets it.

• Let yourself cry, yell, or vent.

Feeling doesn’t mean giving up. It means honoring the truth of your experience and freeing up space to move forward.

Step 2: Focus on the Small Things

When the big picture feels unbearable, zoom in.

• The warmth of your morning coffee, tea, or whatever ritual helps you start your day.

• A text from someone you love.

• The sound of your favorite song.

• A walk outside where the air feels crisp and alive.

These moments might seem trivial, but they’re the foundation of resilience. The more you can root yourself in what’s good and steady, the better equipped you’ll be to face the storm.

Step 3: Celebrate the Wins (No Matter How Small)

Right now, survival itself is a win. So is speaking up, setting boundaries, or even just logging off social media when it all feels like too much.

Celebrating wins—big and small—reminds you that you’re still here, still fighting, still showing up. Write them down. Share them with someone who’ll cheer you on. And don’t let the culture of “it’s not enough” steal these moments from you.

Step 4: Take Action (But Set Limits)

Action can feel like an antidote to despair. Volunteering, donating, organizing—these things remind us of our agency. But they’re not cures, and they won’t fix everything.

Pick your battles. Focus on what feels meaningful to you—whether that’s showing up at a local level, engaging in community work, or simply holding space for conversations that matter.

But also know when to step back. Rest isn’t quitting; it’s a necessary part of the fight.

Step 5: Laugh, Play, and Find Joy

Joy is an act of defiance. It’s also how we heal.

Laughing, playing, and creating joy doesn’t mean ignoring the world’s problems. It means refusing to let them rob you of your humanity.

Watch a comedy, dance to a song you love, or let yourself be silly for no reason. These moments of joy are not only healing—they’re acts of resistance.

Step 6: Find Your People

Isolation is a tool of oppression. Don’t let it win.

Reach out to those who see the world the way you do. Vent together, brainstorm solutions, or just sit in quiet solidarity. Your people remind you that you’re not alone, even when it feels like the world has lost its mind.

Step 7: Protect Your Energy

Not every battle is yours to fight. Not every hill is yours to die on.

It’s okay to prioritize your mental health, your boundaries, and your needs. You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to carry the weight of the world alone.

Rest. Say no. Take a break. Protecting your energy is how you ensure you’ll be ready to show up for the fights that matter most.

Resilience in the Face of Chaos

A Final Thought

Trump’s second term feels like a punch in the gut. It’s a stark reminder that the fight for democracy, justice, and truth is far from over.

But it’s also a reminder of what we’re capable of. We’ve faced darkness before, and we’ve made it through—not because it was easy, but because we refused to give up.

You don’t have to save the world. You just have to keep showing up, doing your part, and finding moments of light in the chaos.

Because the truth is, the world needs people like you—people who see clearly, care deeply, and keep going.

We’ll get through this. Together.

Disclaimer

My blog posts are my reflections and thoughts on mental health topics and do not replace therapy or getting support from a licensed mental health professional. The advice provided is general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please seek personalized assistance from a qualified professional.

All rights reserved: Tori Corbett Counseling 2024