Hey there,

Today, I want to talk about something I think a lot of us are feeling after this election. Regardless of how we voted, there’s a common thread we’re all holding onto hope for a united, peaceful country. Whether you were excited or hesitant about who you voted for, it’s okay to acknowledge the mix of emotions in the air right now. For many of us, voting this time around wasn’t just about liking or disliking someone—it was about choosing the policies we believe will make life better for ourselves and our families.

This past election has shown how crucial it is to talk about why we voted the way we did. Some might say, “How could you vote for him?” But the truth is, votes are complex, and they’re not always about a personality; they’re often about principles and policies. Here’s a little perspective on how we can all move forward together, no matter who we voted for.

1. Voting for Policies, Not Personalities

For many, casting a vote in this election was about returning to policies that, in their experience, had real, positive impacts on their day-to-day lives. Maybe you’re someone who felt your job prospects were better a few years ago, or you saw changes in your community that gave you hope. Voting for someone, even if they’re a bit controversial, doesn’t necessarily mean you agree with everything about them. It’s okay to prioritize the policies that matter most to you.

2. Why Voting Isn’t About Hate

Let’s clear up a common misconception: voting for one side doesn’t mean you’re against the other. People might think that if you voted for Trump, you must “hate liberals.” But that’s not the case for everyone. Sometimes, it’s simply that there are specific policies that resonate more or provide a sense of security, like economic stability or job growth. Let’s remember that voting is a personal choice and doesn’t always reflect extreme views.

3. Moving Past the “Us vs. Them” Mentality

The “us vs. them” mindset is exhausting, and honestly, most of us are tired of it. We’re ready for more understanding and less division. Imagine what would happen if we all started conversations with, “Tell me why this matters to you,” instead of assumptions. You’d be surprised at how much we care about the same core issues: safety, opportunity, fairness, and a better future for our kids.

4. Open Communication and Understanding

If there’s one thing this country needs, it’s more open conversations. It’s easier to understand one another when we’re listening with the goal of learning, not just reacting. Let’s all try to have more grace in our discussions and reach out to the people we disagree with. Respectful dialogue can help us remember that, at the end of the day, we’re all human and just doing our best to make decisions for ourselves and our families.

5. Finding Common Ground

Here’s something we can all work on looking for ways to bridge the gaps. Just because we disagree on some things doesn’t mean we can’t find common goals. Policies about the economy, education, and health are issues that affect everyone, no matter where you stand politically. Maybe you’ll find that your neighbor cares about the same issue you do, even if you have different ideas about how to address it. By focusing on what we have in common, we can work toward meaningful progress.

A Call for Unity

As we move forward, let’s try to keep our eyes on the bigger picture. Healing as a country won’t happen overnight, but it starts with each of us being willing to listen, share, and understand. We can all play a part in building a more united future. So let’s give each other some grace, have those tough conversations with compassion, and keep moving forward—together.

Thanks for reading, and let’s keep the conversation going! Let’s choose unity, understanding, and kindness in everything we do.

With hope,

Heather