On Tuesday, America voted to elect Donald Trump as president of the United States, which has struck fear into much of the country, particularly the younger generation and minorities. America has put into the highest position of power in the country a man who discriminates against everyone except straight, white males like himself. Understandably, the minority groups of America are scared and sad.

The incredible level of underlying discrimination and hatred in this country was exposed Tuesday night and the fear is that now, this hatred will have the opportunity to rear its ugly head in America, with one of the most hateful persons now at the top position of the nation normalizing the behavior. I write this article as a reminder that while the president may be able to decide on laws and make important decisions in the country, he CANNOT choose our actions for us. He CANNOT force us to hate and discriminate.

To hate our fellow Americans, and our fellow humans is a decision we either make or refuse each and every day. Each of us must choose not to hate another because of that person’s race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We must choose not to hate at all. We must choose love. We must choose acceptance. We must choose compassion.

At the end of the day, it is the way we treat others that we see in our day to day lives, and how those people treat us, that will truly shape our perspective of ourselves, each other and this country. America is still a country for the people, by the people, and it is we the people who must choose to shape this nation as one that is a nation of love. Spread love and respect and someday this will become a nation set sturdily in those values. Follow the “Golden Rule” that we all learned as young school students, treat others as you would want to be treated.

It is up to us to stop hatred in this country. Not only must we love each other but we must love ourselves. Understand that hatred can only hurt you if you allow it to. Wake up every morning and vow to be a good person who respects those around you and loves both them and yourself. So be strong in who you are and encourage others to be strong in who they are. Embrace our differences. Be kind. Spread love.

Spread love.

Spread love.