Accept your limitations. You are not God, even if your supporters sometimes treat you as one.
The pain of the loss will be great at first but gradually will ease.
Talk to yourself. ‘I made mistakes, tried the best I could given what I have.’
‘I forgive myself for all my imperfections and promise to do better.’
Seek the company of your loved ones. Thank them for all their help.
Remind yourself that you are one of a very select group of people.
As soon as you learn that the vote favored your opponent, concede. This is very important. To be graceful in loss. Call the winner, wish them the best and offer your assistance. The nation will remember you fondly for it.
If you begin to think hostile thoughts, seek the advice of psychiatrists/psychologists from Walter Reed Hospital. You are human. Human beings get angry in loss.
Do not make any rash decisions. For the sake of the nation, consult and consult again before making choices.
Exercise. Go for long walks. Dance with your partner. Sing your favorite song.
You will laugh again. At yourself and at the world.
There is life after the presidency.
Watch comfort foods. They can pack the pounds very quickly.
When or if foreign leaders call to express sympathy, ask them to support the new President.
Consider an executive order establishing the office of the psychiatrist/psychologist to the President. A part time job. A few hours a week. So the incumbent can drop by to chat about whatever is on their mind. Records of such sessions to be kept confidential for 100 years.
Good luck.
Oscar Valdes oscarvaldes.net oscar valdes@widehumr
Oscar Valdes 