In the midst of the presidential election, passions have collided, opinions have differed, and the country has been divided. Riots are breaking out, social media hate-wars have ensued and the fear of what comes next has settled into us all. Chaos seems to be all around and the amount of hatred is mind boggling. Trump was not who I had in mind when I imagined the President of the United States and he certainly carries negativity around wherever he goes, but since his election I’ve seen some of the greatest qualities in people; I’ve seen people cry together, hug one another, and say they’ll love one another during a time of change and uncertainty.

We can’t change the result, but we can decide how we stand together as Americans. Love is louder than fear and hate and I’ve been touched and filled with hope watching how the people in my life have fully embraced this. Together, we can create the environment we want to live in and the message we want America to be known for. We aren’t the kind of people who build walls and bully the people who are different than us, we are the citizens who love through every circumstance and accept those around us.

There is hope for a greater America because we are the deciding factor. Change begins and ends with us and as long as we stand together, there is nothing to fear. Love conquers all, grace gives way to peace, and the decision to share our voice of acceptance will be too loud to ignore. Hatred does not define us and the voice of one doesn’t become the voice of all. I choose to believe in the power of kindness.