As I write this, I have the United States map pulled up in another tab, checkered in shades of blue and red. Four years ago, I remember sitting with my college friends, watching the colors fill with red and red and red. I remember going back to my dorm room and my roommate crying. I remember tearing up myself. I remember writing a blog post about hope and peace during these times.

And, frankly, it is hard to find the hope this time. I thought that after four years of this, I assumed that our country wouldn’t get divided as it has, and yet I find myself not able to look at people the same way depending on how they voted. It’s hard and I’m not even in one of the groups that would be majorly affected by this election.

So, while I want to write something like what I wrote last election about peace and hope. While I should write something about believing in humanity, I’m not sure if I can. Instead, I urge you to believe in nature. Believe that the sun will rise, that the sun will set. Believe that birds will chirp and sing and that people will still laugh no matter how this election turns out. Believe that trees will still grow and flowers will still bloom.

And remember to believe in yourself as well. Take a walk. Talk to people you love. Do something you love. Remember, that no matter what, you are loved. You are loved so much and we will get through this.