I'll Have My Politics with a Side of Civility and Optimism Please

I love politics. I haven't always, mind you. In high school I was more or less indifferent. I can remember when President Clinton was impeached. I got little snippets here and there of the goin' ons in the world but for the most part I was oblivious. Then I went off into the big, wide, open, real world and attended the prestigous Collage of Eastern Utah, my political eyes began to open. I was on student government and consequently surrounded by political astute minds. I have always loved to learn and have had a thirst for knowledge. But that thirst was limited to things I found more exciting, like Biology and Creative Writing. Once I got a small taste of this intoxicating elixir called politics, I was hooked.

In college I was able to be a part of the Intercollegiate Assemble. We wrote bills and then met with all the colleges in the state at the capital building  and tried to pass our bills. I will admit that I went in unprepared and not very passionate about the bill I co-sponsored. Therefore, the outcome of our bill was a big fat negative. But oh what an amazingly positive experience that it was for me. It started me on a quest to become more versed in the illusive arts of politics. I wanted to, and still want to become more informed, more passionate and a lot less unprepared. I am definitely still reaching for this goal and in no way feel I have obtained the amount of knowledge or experience that I hope to acquire while on this mortal journey.

What party do I belong to? Where do I draw my line in the sand? This is a discussion that perhaps we will have on another day. (For the record, my voter registration card proudly proclaims non-partisan and my voting record follows suit. I contently mark the boxes across all party lines... after careful consideration, of course)

For having no assumptions as an undecided, non partisan voter, this election was exciting. Riddled with belittling, and uplifting images that were gracefully and not so gracefully thrown in our faces, I always end up dissapointed in the negative tone the campaigns take. This campaign was no exception. But I feel I was unprepared for the onslaught of comments on the social networks. Comments coming from the different parties, from people with various backgrounds and experiences.

I choose not to listen, I choose to see the future that my daughter has in store for her. I am certain rain or shine, no matter. Her future is bright. Full of love, full of hope, full of unicorns and glitter. Oh yes, unicorns and glitter. I trust my Heavenly Father has a plan for me, for you and for her. So people relax. The world is beautiful, people are beautiful, my baby girl is beautiful and one day she will have her own opinions and her own values to vote for. My little lion heart will thrive wherever she is planted regardless of who is or isn't president. Chris and I will try to instill in her the importance of respect. Respect for oneself and for others. I hope she sees value in everyone and that she can validate and love others even if she does not agree with them. I hope she will find common ground on which she can stand proud and strong. And I hope she is a nice girl. Who does and says nice things to other people.

 President Hinckley once said, “I am asking that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we ‘accentuate the positive.’ I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good. … Look for the sunlight through the clouds” (“The Continuing Pursuit of Truth,” Ensign, Apr. 1986, 2–4).

Life is good. America is good. People are good. And my little lion heart is strong and beautiful.