The hate and bigotry that fueled this election has found its positive mirror in the love and kindness being expressed by people who are becoming active in their local communities and also nationally, banding together to form groups that are standing up for what they believe in and actively defending those in our society who are vulnerable.

The Women’s March on Washington is a perfect example of this.  Hundreds of thousands of women of all ages will be marching, many for the first time in their lives, to protect both their rights and the rights of others.  These women are an inspiration to us all.   And this is just the beginning of their movement!

I have learned that the only thing any of us can truly control is our attitude.  Instead of choosing to respond to fear and hatred with more fear and hatred, let’s focus on those things we can control and what we can choose to do in any moment, which is to be loving and kind and tolerant of others, helping to manifest the reality we want to see in the world.  

This is a golden opportunity to rise above the hate filled rhetoric by taking the high road in our words and actions. When someone on the low road chooses to taunt you or bully you, don‘t take the bait!  Don’t jump into the swamp with these people.   Every so often, by being loving and kind and tolerant, you may get a chance to gently educate a person, to change his or her point of view.

We are newly in the “Age of Aquarius,” believed by some to signal a period of peace and harmony. Could it be that we have begun journeying towards an awakening throughout our land, a new level of consciousness?  Let’s look on the bright side and consider that this new awareness is the beginning of surprising, miraculous changes to come, fueled by kindness, tolerance, and love.