Life can be unexpected and can cause us to lose ourselves. Whether we get over involved, put another’s needs ahead of our own (to a fault) or the unexpected occurs, one can feel lost and unaware where to go next. It’s okay to be unsure of the next step.

The recent results of the presidential have left me feeling lost. I believed our nation to be progressing. I believed we were working on inclusion. Under the Obama administration, rights for women, minorities, sexual assault victims and members of the LGBTQIA+ community were established, reinforced and praised. People were finally beginning to feel as though they were validated in merely being themselves. It’s clear that with the election of Donald Trump, that this may no longer be the case.

People are now fearing for their rights and questioning their identities. We are wondering where to go next. I once believed I knew who I was and where my place in this world was, but now I’m unsure. I don’t which road is the best for me, if I’m fighting the right fight, if I’m being a valued member of society.

We should never fear who we are, but it is okay to question ourselves and our paths. It is human nature to be our own toughest critics, to constantly second-guess what we’re doing and who we are.

I promise that at the end of this journey, you will be confident in who you are and where you’re going. It may take longer than what you were intending, but that doesn’t mean the end result won’t still be the best one. It is important right now to find your own way, but to also help others to find theirs. There are so many people in this country that need to be shown compassion and understanding, now more than ever.

Have faith in yourself and others that we will all find our way. We all have the opportunity to be good people who leave a real impact on this world and on others. You will find your way and so will I. It will all work out in the end, even if you do take a few wrong turns. Life is a journey and none of us were given a GPS or a map.

You will find your way back to the main road. You will be the best version of yourself by the end of it. You will have made a difference. You will get lost along the way and that’s perfectly fine. Good things are down the road, just don't stop walking.