It's been about a week since the election in which Trump was voted to be our next President. It has been a long, painful, scary week; one filled with fear, denial, anger and even a few tears. There has been protesting, rallies, posts, tweets, and violence throughout the country. There has been talk of moving, of up and leaving the country, of returning in 4-8 years depending on the outcome of the next election. There has been confusion, heartache, headaches and anxiety from sea to shining sea; all in relation to one single question: What's next? Where do we go from here? What changes will be made? How will our country survive?

The fear doesn't exist because we don't know the answer. No, the fear comes from the fact that we must ask that question in the first place. The fear is found in the women that are ten times more afraid to walk alone at night, because sexual assault is a joke now, or at least it was in 2005. It comes from the Muslim family that rides the bus at night, afraid to get off at their stop because they don't know what is waiting for them in the shadows. The fear comes from the couple who has waited years to get married, only to find out, that our country is once again against LGBT rights. The fear comes from the disabled man who fears what people will say about him due to the disability that he was born with. The fear comes from the parents that have to explain to their kids that a man who seems to hate half of the citizens that make up America, will soon be in charge of America. A man that seems to forget what the U in USA stands for.

The fear comes from having to ask: What is next?

The answer isn't as easy as one may think. Yes, it means accepting change, understanding that people have their own opinions and that our country is built on the freedom that voting entails; but it is more than that. This election has brought evil to the forefront more than it already was. It has made racism okay in some people's eyes. It has made sexual assault acceptable in some people's eyes. It has divided this country once again, as if that was how it was, when "America was great." This election has split families, ruined friendships and caused rifts in society; it has fed on fear and it is larger than life now.

The answer isn't as easy as one may think. Yes, it means accepting change, understanding that people have their own opinions and that our country is built on the freedom that voting entails; but it is more than that. The answer to "What's next?" isn't one we know currently. We have no idea what the next four years will bring to this country, we, citizens of the United States, only know what we can bring to the next four years for this country. We as citizens can bring love and kindness, acceptance and respect, light and positivity. We will not be the evil that lurks in the shadows, we will not be the people who turn our backs on those around us that need our support. We will not laugh at, disrespect or hurt one another. We cannot fall to level of those around us, the only way we succeed is by lifting each other up, by helping one another, by loving one another!

It is in times of great distress, fear, and pain, that we must come together, stronger than ever before. We are the United States of America; so, let us unite together in love, kindness, hope, acceptance and respect. Starting with the next four years, but ending, never.