How to get from emotion to action after the election, as narrated by amazing humans.
'I'm going to keep standing up.'
For people who saw Hillary Clinton as a much needed step forward for equality in this country, this week's loss was devastating.
When the 2016 presidential election results came in around 3 a.m. Eastern time on Nov. 9, many people were hit with waves of emotion as this dramatic election cycle came to a close.
What would come next for America?
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.
Today, many people are grieving. But if you look around you, you'll also see people doing something remarkable: They aren't giving up.
Many folks have taken to social media to share beautiful and heart-wrenching but above all actionable words of resolve this week. These are people who still believe we're "stronger together," and they are standing tall. They're showing the nation that we will not be pushed down so easily.
So if you're feeling scared or angry or confused or sad, that's OK. It's important to take time to process the blow. But then, stand back up. The fight is not over. In fact, it's only just begun.
Here are five messages from fellow supporters that might help you get there:
1. This woman is feeling more resolved then ever to keep fighting.
"This hurts like hell, but I'm not giving up and I'm not going anywhere and I'm not going to be quiet. I'm staying right here in this goddamned country and I'm going to keep on standing up and speaking out and fighting even harder for our friends and neighbors and all people who don't feel like they have a voice, who deserve respect, who need love and support, who need to know that they're not going to be abandoned. Photo via libbyvanderploeg/Instagram, used with permission.
2. Another is trying to help others while simultaneously looking out for her own mental health.
Thank you to "the helpers" who have literally kept me alive for the past 24 hours- And of course the love of my life,...
Posted by Annie P. Ruggles on Wednesday, November 9, 2016
3. And, in the midst of fearing for this country, this man wants everyone to know he's first and foremost an ally.
While the country votes red from the center out like cancer, while you feel fear, you feel opressed, while we feel shame...
Posted by Brian Morvant on Tuesday, November 8, 2016
4. Christina learned words of hope and action can come to us in many ways. Even via text.
Sister love and wisdom and hope. #sistertherapy #love #hope #staystrong
A photo posted by @jaclynspoleti on
5. And, in the face of feeling like "them" again, this Middle-Eastern American man simply asks others to have empathy.
I'm an American born non-practicing Muslim and Middle Eastern American. I was born in the Bronx and raised in NYC and...
Posted by Mehdi Barakchian on Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Emotions only take us so far. In the coming weeks, action is the next step.
As Clinton said in her concession speech, "This loss hurts. But please never stop believing that fighting for what’s right is worth it."
It's not going to be easy, but we're not doing this alone.
Transitioning from optimist to activist.
Posted by Abbie Harper on Wednesday, November 9, 2016