Where it begins...

So, we've elected a new President. Like it or not, it is finished. All that is left is how you deal with it.

More than that, remember that the children are watching and hearing everything that you are and are not saying. They are picking up on all of it, and learning a lot more than you think they are.

Sadly, we are quickly learning that our issues are much deeper than what they seem on the surface. They are much more than the simplistic labels that are placed on everyone from both sides.

We have taught a whole generation that they are all winners. That everyone gets a trophy, and gets credit for just showing up. That isn't how the world works, and we're learning that people out there don't know how to win or lose graciously.

I see two sides of this going on in America today. I see those that are being horrible winners, and those that are being horrible losers. Fundamentally, America didn't change with the outcome of one election. Some won and some lost -- just as it has been since the very beginning of our system of government. Some will be happy and some will not.

What has changed overtime is that we have lost the ability to deal with opposition.

I believe that in my heart of hearts, we are all the same. We want to be heard. We want to be brought to the table, and given a voice. Somewhere in the middle of all of this - we started putting labels on those of us that are different, and began demonizing the differences.

I learned the hard way how to lose, and how to win. I learned that kindness always wins, no matter the outcome. I won't change that, and in everyday America - things work just fine. I don't see your political views in our everyday exchanges in the grocery store, lines at the Post Office, or anywhere else. I see a fellow human being, and I act accordingly. If I see you struggling, I will help. If I see you in need, I will try to the best of my ability to fill your need. If I see you crying, I will offer a shoulder. If I see you bleeding, I will offer a band-aid.

I happen to be a Christian, that's no secret. The message of that has been lost by some very misguided individuals that are spreading hate in the name of my Lord and savior. I don't believe in that. I believe that we are to love everyone no matter what. We are to reach out and offer our hand in love to people. We are to welcome them in.

Just like all other groups -- there are good and there are extremists that are bad. My vote, doesn't boil down my belief system into one category or another. You don't want me to do that to you, so please don't do that to me.

Ultimately, it all begins at home. We have to live it out -- our beliefs -- outwardly. We have to teach our children what is okay and what is not. We have to be diligent. More than that, we have to act like humans. If you are happy or unhappy with the outcome of the election - take your moment to gather your thoughts, and then start working kindly towards your solution. Spread your message in a way that is kind.

 Remember that we can't all win all of the time. Life will go on... and there will be another election. If you don't like the way it turned out, or even if you do. It is up to you to spread your message without all of the hate that we will be remembered for in 2016.

If you voted for Trump - I love you.

If you voted for Clinton - I love you.

If you voted for Johnson - I love you.

If you voted for Stein - I love you.

If you voted for McMullin - I love you.

If you wrote in a vote - I love you.

If you didn't vote at all - I love you. (we need to talk, but I love you!)

Be the light, friends. Make the world sparkle with your message, instead of spreading darkness.