Eleanor Roosevelt was not only the longest serving, but one of the most iconic First Ladies in our great country’s history. She took the position of First Lady and made it into something much more than “the President’s wife.” Roosevelt was a strong woman and activist, and she is one of my idols. If we’re being honest, I intended for this piece to be a list of quotes from various authors reflecting my feelings in the wake of the 2016 Presidential Election. However, I actually love Eleanor Roosevelt’s mindset so much that this entire list became about her. Although Roosevelt is deceased, I feel like she would have had plenty to say if she were alive today. There is so much we can still learn from her, and I aim to continue to spread her wisdom where it is relevant to do so. I hope that Roosevelt’s messages of hope, strength, and courage inspire people as we move forward toward a new chapter in our history.
1. “Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, and damned if you don’t.”
Somebody is always going to disagree with what you have to say or how you voted, so don’t take it personally.
2. “Women are like teabags. You don’t know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.”
Whether you like her or not, you have to give Hillary Clinton some credit for a well-run campaign. And to women everywhere: keep on fighting for your rights.
3. “Have convictions. Be friendly. Stick to your beliefs as they stick to theirs. Work as hard as they do.”
This election really showed that almost all of us take sides. If you have something that you’re passionate about, work hard to make it known. I guarantee that the other side is working hard too, but that does not make them the enemy.
4. “Understanding is a two-way street.”
When it comes to politics, there are many instances in which you will not see eye to eye with others. Step into their shoes and try to understand the way they look at the world. This goes for everyone, regardless of party affiliation.
5. “Justice cannot be for one side alone, but must be for both.”
If I were to revise this quote, I might say “Justice cannot be for one group alone, but must be for all.” Her point is clear though, if there is to be justice it should not take sides.
6. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Many people, especially those belonging to minority groups, feel like they have a target on their backs based on comments that President-Elect Donald Trump has made. I hope that they have nothing to worry about. However, if people feel oppressed they have every right to peacefully protest those forces.
7. “Hate and force cannot be in just a part of the world without having an effect on the rest of it.”
Hate has been such a key word throughout this election. Hate is terrifying. It divides people and starts wars. I will not stand for hate, regardless of who it is coming from.
8. “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
If you’re not happy with the election results, have hope. All we can do at this point is work together.
9. “You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give.”
#NotMyPresident? Okay, maybe he’s not your ideal President, but you have to accept him. Your voice is more important than ever. Use it to be constructive, not destructive.
10. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”
We’re definitely shaking things up here in the U.S.A. I’m willing to welcome some new ideas. That’s what makes our country so great.
11. “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
This is self-explanatory. Never stop working toward peace and unity.
12. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
The wonderful thing about democracy that the future is in the hands of the people. What are your dreams for America’s future?
