Weeks have passed since the presidential election and I remain disappointed. My disappointment is rooted in what I have seen take place following the announcement of the President-elect. I am not upset nor disheartened by people expressing their fear, by people exercising their first amendments rights, by people mobilizing to seek a realistic change, but I am thoroughly appalled by the hatred coming from both sides and the growing division.

A few weeks ago I was sitting in church listening to a message explaining how our emotions, while always valid, are not always the truth. This was an extremely hard concept for me to wrap my head around. I, like some, can tend to lean on the overdramatic side, so I did not particularly favor the idea that my anger or my happiness in certain situations is valid, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it translates into the truth.

I’ve been thinking about this concept a lot recently. Truthfully, I was upset and angered by the results of the election. However, I decided to not allow that anger to define my truth. I decided to seek tolerance in times of blanketed and blatant hatred. I decided to not flee, but to fight. I decided that I would not allow my voice to be silenced, that I would scream because the people in the back still don’t seem to hear. I decided to not lose hope, but to build a better future. I decided to not lower myself with fear, but to rise against that and join in on the outpouring of love. I decided to not give up.

Anger, while a healthy emotion, should not dictate your life. It should not be the sole reason behind your disagreement. Above everything else we are all human, we are fallible, sometimes emotions take hold and don’t let go- that’s okay. However, don’t allow those emotions to carry you through these next four years- allow your truth to.

My truth is simple: I believe in humanity. I believe that most people want to not only be good, but do good. I believe in love and that everyone should have access to that. I believe in American values and the power of the people.

I have decided to use my truth to seek change and I urge you to do the same.