Emotions are running high in the United States of America as I sit down to write this. Mr. Donald Trump has just changed his name to President Trump. Voted in by the American people. It became official in the early hours of November 9, 2016.
It was a campaign fought hard by both sides. Relentless, hate fueled and often seemed a joke. The sentences, “She’s such a nasty woman,” and “I did not send or receive emails marked classified,” run like a news ticker through my mind. During this time, I frequently asked myself how these were the options Americans were left with. Personally, I felt as if I were choosing my death sentence. But the decision has been made and for those who can’t see it, I am here to tell you there is a bright side.
Today we are still Americans. We live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I don’t give a shit who the president is I feel incredibly blessed to live in this country, where our concerns, though valid, aren’t even on the radar of citizens in other countries. There are large populations around the world that worry about food to eat, clean water to drink, clothes to wear and fear for their physical safety each and every day. Most US citizens get to choose what to eat, drink water from a bottle, decide which pair of shoes look best with their outfit and return to a safe, warm home at night. Consider yourself lucky to be here.
Today we are still Americans. We live in the land of the free giving us a choice. Choose love. Choose compassion. Choose bravery. Choose strength. Choose happiness. Choose gratefulness. Choose to lend a helping hand. Choose peace.
Don’t pity yourself, others or our country. Quit asking what is wrong with your fellow Americans. Don’t assume your ideas, thoughts and beliefs are the only way of thinking. Or that they are correct for that matter. Stop believing that we are all doomed and that generations to come will forever be screwed. We all fall victim to moments of insecurity, at least I know I do, but this is all small thinking and supports hate.
Today we are still Americans. We live in the home of the brave. So often we assume this only applies to our military. We are ALL living in the home of the brave so it’s time to start acting like it. Just in case you forgot:
Brave | adjective | /brāv/
Ready to face or endure danger or pain; showing courage
We are all fighting battles, both internal and external, and what we need is compassion for one another. It is time we all stood up to our fears and lived a life of bravery instead.
The extreme feelings of the American people surrounding this election is a great thing. It means we still care about this country, no matter which side of the aisle you choose. Here we are today, Americans left with 2 two choices as we are after each election. We can band together in bravery, love one another and be the change we want to see in the world or we can spew hatred, let disagreements divide us and become exactly what everyone is fearing the most. I know what I choose, do you?
The bright side, regardless of how you feel about the outcome of the election, is that today we are still Americans. Living in the land of the free and the home of the brave. For this I am thankful. And you should be too.
A Pinch of Opinion 