2016 has been a year of surprises. It's true that the election results shocked the nation, even people who voted for Trump. It's true that we have realized who we are as individuals, who are friends are, who the candidates are over this past year. There's a reason why they say politics don't make a polite dinner conversation, and it's because people will never agree on them.

I'm not going to make this about Trump vs Hilary. I'm going to make this the truth vs everything else. There is NO SHAME in how you feel. If you are pissed off about the outcome you have every right to feel that way. If you are dancing in the streets because of the outcome, by all means, celebrate. It's okay. It's not okay to hate others for their emotional stand.

It's no surprise that we are more divided now than ever before. It's no surprise that people are protesting and rioting. It is a surprise that we (the good people of the United Stated of America aren't doing anything about it! I'm all for standing up for a positive cause. But when the deal is done, and you are rioting just because you didn't get your way, that is NOT standing up for anything. That will not move or sway anyone in a positive manner. All it does is make people feel negative and scared.

Who you voted for is NOT who you are. If you are a Hilary Supporter, it doesn't make you a criminal, it doesn't make you a saint, or the first potential woman president, or a feminist( unless you really are one.) It makes you, a Hilary supporter or simply a democrat. And who is anyone else to tell you that you're wrong for that?

If you are a Trump supporter it doesn't make you a racist, or a bigot, or a millionaire. It makes you a republican. But that does not define you. How you respect and treat others differently than you defines your character.

We need to stand up for our truth. We need to make our country a better place, and if you cannot do that, then you are a part of the problem no matter WHO you voted for.

We need to spread kindness and love one another. We need to be UNITED. No one deserves to be told that they are less than who they are because of what they believe in. We need open hearts and open minds, and to put our country in the right direction together.

I will not disown anyone because of their political views. I will love you, despite where you come from or what others say you are. Stand up for yourselves. Stand up for your truth on what you believe in. We need to focus on the good, on our blessings, and on acceptance.

And we can make The United States of America, strong, together.