Alright folks. It happened. It really, actually happened. It's projected that Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States of America and many of us are struggling so hard to grapple with that reality. Especially in the wake of all of these additional hate-filled attacks that we're seeing. Photos have been floating around social media of horrible things written in a nearby school. The KKK has been spotted out and about in their full intimidating outfits. The amount of blatant hate that's showing up is astonishing.
I never knew that there was this much hate in the world. I always knew that there was a lot of hate but I always believed that love and joy would always prevail. I always believed love in this world outweighed hate.
As bad as all of this is, and trust me, I know it's bad, we can't let it break us. It's nearly breaking me, but I refuse to let it.
We must continue to love one another. We have to create the love that we always believed was here. WE must be the ones to make the change. We have to keep smiling at strangers and holding open doors and giving compliments. Especially those of us who are white and could pass under the radar of hatred if necessary. We can put so much positivity into the world that it overwhelms the hate.
I know it's hard. Trust me. I went to school today and saw people I love being terrified. They are afraid. They were crying. I was crying. I still am. We're all scared and we're all angry. And that's okay. Our feelings are completely valid. They're okay and they're allowed. You're allowed to be hurt or angry or both or any combination of emotions. Remember that. But please also remember not to let those emotions take control. Remember to share your opinions respectfully. Remember not to add to the hate. Remember to speak lovingly to others, even those that you don't necessarily want to love. Don't let your anger turn you into a hate-filled person. We can see what that does. It brings nothing good. Use your anger to spur good in the world. Organize peaceful protests. Raise funds for a charity that helps those of us who are likely going to be affected by this hate. Don't let fear control what you do. Use your anger to fight the fear and use it to create more good in the world. Make this world a better place. If there is enough love to outweigh the hate and the bullies, we can hope that it can really make a difference. Let love win. Don't let their hate overwhelm you. Please.