Protests are erupting across the country. People are angry over Donald Trump's surprising rise to victory. Yesterday President Obama reminded us that

"Everybody is sad when their side loses an election, but the day after, we have to remember we're on the same team...We're patriots first. We all want what's best for our country. That's what I heard from Trump last night... and I'm heartened by that."

Hillary Clinton showed grace and strength in her words,

"And to all of the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams."

For those of us who support and admire President Obama and Hillary Clinton, it is important that we respond in a way that unites us as a country and not divide us further.

I understand free speech is one of the things that makes this country great. It is important to make your voice heard. However I ask you to think about the things you disagree with Trump about and ask yourself if if resistance is really the best way to move forward.

I believe that Trump realizes the enormity of his position and am hopeful by his words

"Now, it's time for America to bind the wounds of division - have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to get together as one united people. It's time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be the president for all Americans, and this is so important to me."

I want to believe that can happen. So what’s next?

It is time to practice forgiveness, compassion and kindness. Those of us who did not want to elect a president who is full of anger, prejudice and hate need to live the values we want to see in this country. Continuing to rant, complain and spew hateful rhetoric toward Trump only makes us part of the problem we need to work on solving. We need to move on. We need to support each other. We need to practice empathy and understanding. We need to come together for the common good of this country.

I have seen a bunch of articles on how to talk to your kids about the election. This is so important right now. They are looking to us to see how we react. They want reassurance that things will be okay.

We need to live our life with compassion, love and positivity. Our kids will learn from our actions not just our words. Here's what I said to my nine year old who expressed fear and concern yesterday morning. It is really important now more than ever to be kind and understand that you can be friends with someone that thinks differently than you do. For example, you love soccer and some of your friends don’t. They are still your friends. Focus on kindness. He left for school ready to get back to what’s important to a little boy in the fourth grade; playing basketball with his friends, grabbing some of his Halloween candy, and flipping water bottles.

It is time to be show empathy and be kind again. It starts with us. Be what you want to see. Practice mindfulness, compassion and kindness.

Be the good you want to see...