The 2016 presidential election has finally ended and the world did not explode. The sun rose yet again and we are all still here. Honestly, this seems a little short of a miracle. Americans patiently and proudly stood in line yesterday at their designated poll, did their civic duty, and voted. Anxiously the world waited late into the night to find out the results. As excepted, the conclusion was met support and elation from half of the country and with despair, tears, frustration, anxiety, and anger from the other half. While tears ran down my face I realized that regardless of who won the election, I would have felt almost exactly the same: anxious for the future of our country, not simply because of our newly elected officials, but also because so many Americans do not realize the power we have living in a free country. Every word and action matters. So many people reacting with such raw emotion and little to no thought is a very scary thing.

I wanted to join with this raw emotion and lay in bed all day and cry. I wanted to pull the blankets over my head and pretend that nothing had happened. I wanted to scream and pull my hair out. I wanted to get on social media and voice my frustration. I wanted to react to this election, but I realized the only result that would come from reacting would be a wasted, sad day where my feelings and the people I love are hurt even more than they already have been throughout this election. So I decided I am not going to react, I am going to act.

I am going to approach each day with a new mindset. I am going to be the voice of positivity, optimism, and fairness. Everyday I am going to make a constructive impact. I will stand up for what I believe. I will extend my hand to those that need it. I am going to give myself the love and respect that I deserve. I am going to be brave in our crazy world. I am going to support others around me and do my part to make the world, and America, an amazing place.

I am going to choose to help as many people as possible. I am going to choose to hold my tongue when I want to use hurtful words. I am going to choose to post positively and constructively on social media. I am going to make people smile and laugh. I will make people feel loved and important. Everyone around me will know that no matter what, they can count on me. I am going to choose to be the best version of myself. At the end of the day, I did my part and voted. Now I am going to choose to act instead of react, and make the world around me great.