For this week’s article, I would like to reflect on my feelings about everything going on in our country since the November 3, 2020 presidential election.

Now, I am not a political person. I normally do not discuss these issues publicly. I leave them all to the privacy of my home and discuss them with only my husband when we are both alone, and not even our kids hear us. Mainly because all we see now, in the mainstream media, are stories that tend to make us feel sad and angry—wanting to lash out at someone or something.

As if the year has not been rough enough, 2020 started with so much promise and then we got hit by a horrible pandemic which felt like it could’ve destroyed us all. With so many deaths all over our own country and around the world, we have found ways to have faith and the strength to power through the ups and unfortunate downs of it, which we are still fighting at the moment.

This year has not only been rough due to COVID-19, but also with the presidential election, which appears to still be in limbo depending on who you ask. I guess my biggest disappointment is with how everyone acts when it comes to both sides. It doesn’t matter who you voted for either. It appears neither candidate is acting in a kind manner towards one another.

This is troubling because there was a time people could have a difference of opinion and still go on about their day without the name calling or biases. We don’t always have to agree, but there should be mutual respect for all of our opinions. Now, that is not to say we all have to talk about politics that is not something I share, especially not on my personal social media pages. However, there are outlets where you can voice your own thoughts and that is your own prerogative.

These days it does seem like everyone has an opinion. I hear friends of mine sharing how they cannot even discuss anything without it turning political.   I can understand everyone has different feelings about it. It is natural. However, I was taught to be respectful and, even if I disagreed to be mindful of the other person’s opinion. Sadly, with the rise of social media, it is impossible to keep your opinions to yourself, unless you plan on not having a phone or placing yourself on a hiatus from social media for a while.

Now I am not saying you do not have a right to voice your opinion. The way all sides are reacting to the election is disheartening and unkind. Believe me, it has not been easy to be in this situation, trying to figure my own feelings, while having to deal with all the anxiety and stress of everything being said and shown on TV and social media.

I am thankful for my family. My husband Jeremy who is always the voice of reason reminds me that things will be the way they are meant to be, and we will move forward no matter what the outcome is. Most importantly, I am grateful for my faith and our priest back home who always reminds me that God is the one who is in control.

In retrospect, my sole reason for writing this article is to remind everyone that we must respect others, even when they have a different opinion from ours. I am not sure how it all will turn out, but no matter what, I encourage you to: live one day at a time, learn to agree or disagree with others, and most importantly, learn to be kind.