I Did. Did You?

November 9, 2016.

It is the day after a historical election in the United States of America.

Some woke up today distressed, saddened and feeling loss. There are many posts about people being in fear. “I am afraid” were words that I saw many times in my feed today. There were many posts about what will now happen to our country, to our laws, to our futures.

Some woke up elated and feeling joy. There were few posts about this victory.

What I really read and saw today was people scurrying, just to be heard. I think that when you vote and your candidate isn’t elected, it feels as if you weren’t heard at all. I hear that you are afraid. I hear that you are elated. I am listening. There probably isn’t anyone that hasn’t read a post today that made them mad or sad. Choice can allow you to stay in that place: sad, angry, afraid. Choice will also allow you to stand up and work for change. Regardless of how you voted, you can be a vessel for change. Volunteer and make a difference!

This isn’t a post to advocate for change from one side of the political isle or another. This is a reminder that we all make choices. You an choose to remain in a place of darkness or you can rise above. You can choose to be angry at one another, or you can choose to allow everyone their opinion (and their vote) and love them in spite of your differences.  I hope that you chose to vote. I hope that whether you “won” or “lost” with that vote, that you realize how important it is to exercise that right. I hope that when you voted you paused, for just a moment, and gave thanks for the men and women that fight for your freedom so that you can cast your ballot. THAT is important.

Support your neighbors, friends and community regardless of how you “think” they cast their ballot. We don’t have to agree on politics in order to get about the work at hand. I don’t need a politician to tell me that I have neighbors who are homeless, children who need someone to read to them, elderly that need a phone call to say that you care, people to be fed.  The best thing for your community (and your spirit) is to connect and be helpful. Play nice and be kind to each other…..I promise that you won’t regret it.