On November 8, 2016, the United States of America was a nation divided.
After citizens cast their votes, and the polls closed their doors, millions watched with anticipation as an unforeseen headline flashed across their television screens: Donald Trump had won the United States presidency.
For the past year, the election had been portrayed predominantly as a harsh battle between Democrats and Republicans, but after its abrupt ending, it became evident that the race had never been quite that simple. For women, non-Christians, people of color, immigrants, the ill, and the LGBT community, the presidential election carried with it the last hope for equality. During a time in which our nation has been segregated by hate, prejudice, and racism, it is vital that we utilize love, acceptance, and friendship to bind the wounds of division. Although unity is a considerable feat not to be obtained by one person alone, there are many small steps we can all achieve to show love in a world that is often masked by hate.
1.) Show love to strangers
Our daily rhythms often include contact with other humans. Whether it’s in a place of work, the grocery store, or on the road, we encounter people with aspirations and objectives similar to ours. We must not view these individuals as obstacles to be avoided, but as fellow humans whose lives are just as important as our own. Offer a compliment, hold open the door, or simply say hello. These small actions are easily spread from person to person, and can quickly bring light to an otherwise bad day.
2.) Volunteer
We are often so easily caught up in our own lives that we remain ignorant to the plight of those around us. Through volunteer work, we can easily show appreciation for our communities and our planet, and enjoy ourselves while doing it. Schools, libraries, homeless shelters, and charity events are always eager to receive extra help, and your contribution will help your community flourish.
3.) Say thank you
In a word that is often immersed in pessimism, displays of gratitude are essential. Offer thanks to the stranger who returned your wallet, applaud your favorite childhood teacher, or compliment your local police officer. Regardless of their relationship to you, those who have positively impacted your life will greatly appreciate acknowledgment.
4.) Smile
Smile widely, smile proudly, and smile often. This simple facial expression stands as a retaliation to hate, and quickly spreads happiness to those around you while strengthening positivity within yourself. When putting this into practice, you might even be surprised by the number of smiles that are returned.
5.) Admit your mistakes
This is a task not easily accomplished. In our daily lives, the roots of our problems often derive from our own actions. In order to heal ourselves and the wounds we may have inflicted upon those around us, it is essential that we recognize this pattern, and confess to our own wrongdoings. We cannot properly unite until this step has been achieved.
6.) Love yourself
We live in a world in which large corporations benefit from our self-hatred, and attempt to make this concept a reality through commercials and billboards. Do not let these businesses control you. Eat healthy, appreciate your body, and respect yourself. By loving ourselves first and foremost, we are enabled to love those around us.
7.) Acknowledge the bad
It is undeniable that hatred exists in the world. Prejudice, racism, sexism, and fear are often utilized by humanity as guiding concepts. In order to reverse this notion and eradicate these beliefs, we must first recognize their existence and their place in modern society.
