I’m not much of a hugger. Even when I was little, I reserved hugs for special occasions and my mom and dad. This morning, I needed a hug.

No matter your political beliefs, this was a rough presidential election. For the past year, there has been a feeling of stress and doubt following the general population around and now, we have our answer.

I get that people are mad. I’m mad, too. I get that people are sad. I’m sad, too. I get that people are scared. I’m scared, too.

However, looking aside from politics, we have to focus on our basic humanity.

Unfortunately, as we get older, there is a societal expectation that we have to be unsatisfied and cantankerous. That we have to be angry at the world around us and hate those that oppose us out of principal. During a time where we live in divided nation, it is more important than ever to go back, to go back to an open and optimistic mindset and look toward the future. This is the opportunity to start again and make real change – because we’ve seen what can happen if we don’t.

During the past year, we have disagreed, we have argued and we have made the case for the positions that we hold close to us. We have seen a passion and a fire behind social change that we haven’t seen in years. To see and observe first-hand the eagerness of a population to get involved is something that we can’t ignore and that we should embrace for years to come.

We have to learn from our mistakes, acknowledge the fact that we are human and live life with a positive attitude because if not, no positive, effective change can come about. This does not mean that we should forget the hate we have seen. This does not mean that we should ignore the fact that things have been said that cannot be taken back. This is an opportunity to create a national community that can learn from each other and overcome challenges and disappointment.

Almost 400 million people live in the U.S. We’re one of the largest countries in the world, we have some of the brightest minds in the world and more opportunity than some people will ever have in their life. It shouldn’t matter if you prefer red to blue or vice versa, in an ideal world, we won’t base our decisions off a political party, but instead, off the content of the argument. Let’s ignore the campaign slogans and promises for the next four years for a moment. Let’s take a moment to take a deep breath, bring those we love close and decide the direction we want our nation to move in.

So, during this time of learning, teaching and revolution, take a moment to look at the things that you value. Find love and inspiration in the things that are around you and try to apply that to your daily life.

I know, it’s easier said than done, but we have to try.