Even if you've been living under a rock for the past few months, I bet you still noticed the immense amount of hatred that has been dwelling in our world. Between new and old hate-groups arising, disagreements with political parties and social media's encouragement to see these developments, the hate has been hard to ignore.

If you're like me, it frustrates you to no end. I have never been able to understand why one can simply despise another for their race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. This discrimination is wrong. The hatred and anger these people feel is misplaced, because, seriously, what did they ever do to you?

It is not our place to judge one another. I know this can be hard as most of us thrive off of gossip, consuming People magazines as we wait in line at Publix and reading recent articles to "stay informed." But when we encourage this type of lifestyle, we ultimately encourage the continuation of this hatred.

It's time to stop hating and it's time to start loving.

We all live on this Earth. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are all a part of a whole, and without those parts, we wouldn't be a whole. So stop hating. Realize that everyone is here for a reason.

And, for goodness sake, start being kind! It doesn't kill you to smile at a stranger, or to buy a homeless man dinner. It won't hurt you to help a lady into the grocery store or to drop some change into a Boy Scout's funding jar.

We can fight the hate that has been brewing with kindness. When we show those who are being attacked that there are still people out there who love them, who won't judge them for whatever reason, then we give them hope and friendship.

We should not let hate take over our country, our lives. This is not who we're supposed to be. We need to start being kinder. We need to start showing respect and love. For it is kindness and love that brings us together. Kindness and love fuels human relationships, and without relationships, where would any of us be?

So, please. Be kind. I promise that if you are, the universe will be kind back to you.