Dear America,

I am sorry. I am sorry for the side of us that was brought out by this election. The side of us that is confused and scared. I am sorry for my friends who are afraid to walk outside for the fear of being ridiculed. I am sorry for those who feel burning our beloved flag is a way to express our feelings. I am sorry for the riots, the protests, the tears and the broken hearts.

But we can rise above this.

We have to rise above this, America.

We do not need protests and riots. We do not need racism and hatred.

We need...

Respect. We are all human. We are all composed of blood, nerves and a heart. Respect that. Respect that we are all one in the same. Respect one another because you have no idea what anyone is truly going through. Respect those who are above you and those beneath you because at the end of the day, hierarchy is just a label. Earn it. Work tirelessly and endlessly to be worthy of it. Because as soon as you respect others, they will respect you.

Understanding. Understand that you will not always like everyone, and not everyone will like you. Not everyone will agree with your opinions or have the same taste as you. Understand that while we were born alike, but were also born to create ourselves. A masterpiece. To become who we desire to be, no one else. Do not judge someone on what they wanted to create. Admire the art, don't critique it.

Laughter. Laugh any chance you get. Do one thing a day that makes you laugh. Even if you feel that you don't deserve it, because you do. You deserve happiness. You deserve joy. You do not deserve a life that is not enjoyable. So, laugh. You will remember the times that you cried laughing more than you will the times you were crying because you were upset or angry. Laugh. As soon as the person next to you sees you laughing, they will laugh. And then they will go about their life happy. You made them happy. This happiness radiates. It is a domino effect of pure bliss and if that doesn't make the hair stand up on your arms and your mouth part into a smile, I don't know what will.

Love. Forget everything you just read. Forget how I told you to be more understanding of others and their situation. Forget that time I said respect is earned and never let anyone tell you otherwise, but it also should be reciprocated. Forget everything, and remember this. Love will always win. No matter how dark the world may seem. No matter how grey the sky looks or brown the grass gets. Love is the most profound trait that we, as humans, have. Our ability to love one another no matter their race, gender, or political opinion. Our ability to comfort those who are sad and celebrate with those who are happy. Love is pure. Love is kind. Love is everything.

We need more love America. Above all else, we need love.

It is all we have.

Love Always,

A girl who cares.