By now, we have a new president of the United States as well as Congress, Senate and State Assembly.     Over the past months, I haven’t always agreed with my friends’ political opinions, and I know they haven’t agreed with mine. How fortunate we are to live in a country where we have the freedom to voice our opinion and vote with our hearts and souls.

I just wanted to take this moment to say thank you for challenging me. Even when I didn’t agree with you, you made me question what I heard and read. I clicked on those Facebook posts and was redirected a thousand different ways. I had to dig deep for facts not glossy with opinion.

This election gave me the opportunity to discuss the fluidity of our government process. It gave me the chance to debate the areas of our laws that can’t be changed. This election showed me most clearly that we can always choose kindness over hate. We now have work to do.

We now need to turn that passion into action. The different outlooks that attracted us or divided us now needs to move from hateful speech, altercations and disrespect to kindness, love and generosity.

I want my children to see that there is hope. I want my children to know that we all have the ability to learn, grow and change. I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be part of a community, town, state and country that embraces change. I want to show my children that talk is cheap. Action is what drives us forward.

I want us to have the courage to step away from the TVs, phones and other devices and see what needs to be done here and now. Let’s show our children, neighbors, strangers and friends that we are more than our differences. I am optimistic that thoughtful consideration can move us forward. Thank you.

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Activities guidebook series, Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more

family-friendly activities go to www.AdirondackFamily

Time.com.