I’d like to take a moment to thank all the men and women who have fought tirelessly for this country. I never had enough courage to join the military, so I have an endless amount of respect and gratitude for everything you’ve done to keep this country afloat. (Be sure to check out my post last year on ways you can thank a vet!)

I’m grateful for the freedoms we all are able to enjoy - and by “we all,” I mean every muslim, Christian, black, hispanic, disabled, women and man - that make up this country. Didn’t our forefathers intend for this country to be a great place to live for everyone?

There has been a great divide that we can’t ignore any longer. And today it feels more divided than ever before. This election did a number on me - unlike any other before it. And I’d like to take a few stands and make a few promises to you today.

While we have the freedom of speech, I will stand against anyone who berades, abuses verbally or ignorantly tells another human being to ‘go back to where they came from.’ It will not be allowed in my presence. I am not ok with hate speech in any way, shape or form. I don’t care if it is your right. That does not make it all right. My grandfather, an immigrant from Greece, fought for our country and I will fight too. Not with arms, but with words. Loved this piece by Mashable on what to do if you hear hate speech happening.

I also want you to know that over the years, I’ve become quite the hippie. Not in what I wear, although I do love a good bell sleeve, but within my heart. If you need a hug, I’m here. If you feel like mourning, I will do so with you. I will not only pray for you, but treat you as Jesus treated others - and fight for the forgotten, as He did. I won’t tell you how to feel or not to feel. Don’t we each deserve that at the very least? Whether you agree or not, we all have the right to feel the way we want. Can’t we all just have a bit of compassion to both sides of the aisle?

Anyway - that’s where I am…let’s all love each other a bit deeper this weekend...take time to listen, and take time be kind to others.

Wearing Target skirt (similar), Take 5 Boutique sweater, Ukies flats c/o, Odeme scarf and nail polish in Odeon c/o, Fossil Q smartwatch c/o, Miu Miu sunnies, Sophie Blake bracelet, Cuyana tote.

Washington, D.C. - the epicenter of all things election…especially over the past few months. I’ll admit - I’m not especially into politics or the dramatics that come with. And in all actuality, I’ve had it up to here with the madness. But I’d like to address one small thing that has stood out to me - this culture of instilling fear into our society every four years or so.

I will not be swayed my propaganda or pushed into this belief that our confidence is determined by circumstance. I was really inspired by the recent Diesel campaign and thrilled when they asked me to be a part of it.

They have a series of mottos which exude positively - something that is SO so so needed right now in our country. Sayings like, Love Yourself, Stand for Something, and Give Back have prompted people all over to focus on a greater good.

DC’s is Never Tire and I’d like to challenge each of you, whether you live in DC or not, to live this truth. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, we will never tire. We can never stop fighting for what we believe in, we can never let anyone use scare tactics to force us into submission and we must not let anyone keep us down. We may be worn out and exhausted, but we must never tire. We will never tire.