I’ve always been told I’m a happy-go-lucky girl. I try to find the best in what I can. Through achieving a positive perspective, I am sustained. There must be something redeemable. It can’t be that bad.

Optimism allows me a certain level of present mindedness not afforded otherwise. It’s easy for me to flutter back to the past or rush on to the future, but I aim to stay grounded in the current moment. For I know each of this individual pieces, however small, combine into something greater. Through the present, I create a life. And in the present, not much has yet changed.

By immersing myself in the current time, I recognize impermanence. Whatever I’m experiencing will not prevail forever. Any feelings are only fleeting. Holding on to them only holds me back. So I try to remember that this is only temporary.

Through lack of perpetuation, I am able to carry on. No matter what has occurred or how I respond to that occurrence, the world will not stop for me. As time circles and cycles, I decide to follow suit. I try to keep on. I tell myself life goes on.

For my optimism, I am privileged. For my present mindedness, I am privileged. For my impermanence, I am privileged. For my continuance, I am privileged. For the ability to choose my thoughts and actions, I am privileged.

Others, however, are not so fortunate. For others, this election’s turnout and its ramifications will not be okay. They can not think just of now; they must prepare. Temperance is not a luxury afforded to many as their stake is much larger. Keeping calm and carrying on is not a possibility when the future is unknown although knowingly grim.
I am privileged and I recognize this. I realize that the outcome of this election, albeit extremely disappointing and shocking, will affect me less than other demographics. For my, as well as other white Americans, lessened consequences, it is important to validate the grieving process needed for other groups.

Being an ally is what we can do instead of telling others to let go because many Americans are scared. And fear does not disappear without social justice and reformation of the institution systematically against them.