What if, no matter what happens with the election, you keep trying to better yourself as a human?

What if, no matter what happens with the election, you keep trying to be a light to those around you?

What if, no matter what happens with the election, you keep trying to raise good, altruistic people?

What if, no matter what happens with the election, you remain kind?

What if, no matter what happens with the election, you keep faith --

in God,

this country,

and its people --

all of its people, even those that

don't look like you,

pray like you,

believe like you,

hold the same opinions as you,

talk like you,

have as much self-control or as many diehard convictions as you,

or vote like you?

What if no matter what happens today, on election day, and in the days that follow, you choose to work at being the best goddamn human you can, full of

informed intelligence,

faith,

open-mindedness,

compassion

and empathy,

and you allow those attributes of yours to,

perhaps unsuspectingly,

bleed on to those around you,

ultimately changing them,

and aiding them in being an

enlightened and caring

neighbor,

voter,

and American.

So many walk around with hate in their hearts and constant judgment disrespectfully spewing from their mouths.

Instead, be someone who walks around with

love in your heart,

a listening ear,

a respectful opinion you can and will authentically and eloquently share,

and the ability to disengage from unproductive negativity.

You can rise above the noise and still make noise of your own,

and if you do it tactfully,

with care and caution,

and only with good intentions,

more people will want to hear you.

What if, no matter what happens with the election,

we pour America a drink again,

because Lord knows, today, well,

we’re all gonna need one.