WHAT NOW: TEN TIPS ON SURVIVING POST-ELECTION

FACTS:1. Pending Trump is not convicted by trial on his rape charges or Trump University fraud charges in November and December, he will be the 45th president in January. 2. Your fellow Americans did vote, and the people (popular vote) chose Hilary Clinton. Trump is president because the "Electoral College" chose him. Therefore, fighting with each other is pointless. It is the current system  setup we should consider.3. Racism, sexism, discrimination, and racial tensions are REAL. Disputing these things at this point is choosing ignorance.Based off of the aforementioned facts, we ALL have some things to consider. In my personal process of digesting all that has transpired in the past 24 hours, here are ten things I think will be helpful in navigating life, post-election day:ONE: Take a deep breath. The majority of us have very passionate feelings surrounding Trump's election to presidency. He represents many things which America, as defined by the constitution (stating that all persons are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), does not represent. So passionate feelings are ok. However, by engaging in heated, emotional banter, we have the potential to incite even more fear, disruption and chaos. This is not only unproductive but un-Christlike. TWO:  Consider your position. What do you believe? Do you believe Hilary should have been president? Do you believe Trump is unfit for presidency? Do you dislike minorities, the LGBT community, or are pro-life/choice? No matter WHAT your stance, I encourage you to discover an educated WHY. I have encountered many persons who say they believe one thing or the other, but can very rarely give an educated explanation of why they believe those things to be true. An educated WHY opens the table for discussion, and challenges us all to asses our thought processes beyond spontaneous reactions. THREE:  Consider your responsibility. If you are someone who does not comprise the "minority" (a person of color, the LGBT community, Muslims, those with disabilities, etc.), you have a decision to make. There will come a time where you will be in a position to take a stance for what is right in regards to the treatment of the aforementioned persons. It is up to you to decide whether you will support love or hate. On the other hand, if you are the aforementioned, for example a person of color, you also have a decision to make. There will probably also be a time where you will experience discrimination or negative confrontation of some sort. It is up to you whether you will react with love or hate. Hopefully, both situations will involve reactions of love!FOUR:  Educate yourself. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Know your rights at the national level as well as the state level. Depending on where you live, they may differ. Know what the "right to remain silent" really means, etc. This election has sparked the general public's desire to delve further when making decisions. Don't let your knowledge wane. I personally believe God is in control of this life's trajectory, yet in conjunction we should be educated, responsible people while we are here. FIVE: Commit to excellence. Make a decision that no matter what happens around you, you will be the best YOU. Whether that means getting a job, living healthier, participating in community service, raising loving children, finishing school, righting wrongs, or just taking care of your personal responsibilities, COMMIT TO THAT. Add value to your life and the lives of others by committing to excellence in everything you touch.SIX: Acquire a financial advisor. Stocks are already plummeting, and depending on what happens in the near future, that trend could continue. Regardless, you need an educated individual you trust to help you make good financial decisions for the future. SEVEN:  Surround yourself with positive, progress-minded individuals. You are the persons you associate with. Engage with those who will make you better spiritually, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.EIGHT:  Exercise prudence. If you know the laws are strict in your area, be aware of that and assess accordingly. I am not an advocate for living in fear; however, I am an advocate of wise decision-making.NINE: Be open to, and only engage in positive, uplifting and intelligent conversation, especially when discussing others. Put yourself continually in the other's shoes, and never forget that discrimination is a fluid movement. At any time it could be you. TEN: Above all, love one another. The majority of the problems we encounter devolve based off of prior misunderstandings, or current miscommunications rooted in fear. However, we know that perfect love casts out all fear. We must decide within ourselves that regardless of what the world does, we will be organically kind, honest, and understanding of others. Only in love can we hope to ever become unified. I hope this helps you find some peace and optimism. Have a wonderful Thursday! -AB