This has been my mantra the last few days. Let me explain.

Every single person in this country deserves what comes next. If you're sitting around pointing fingers and the first one isn't pointed at yourself, then you're missing the point. This is not 'their' mess, this is 'our' mess. Start taking some ownership of it. That pain and guilt you feel should be something you never ever forget.

Parents wondering what to say to their distraught children, a suggestion. Say "mommy/daddy made a mistake and didn't get involved/more involved and I'm sorry. Don't make that mistake. If see something wrong in the world, do something about it." Bet they'll never forget that one.

Rural voters. You voted for a vision and not a plan. What comes next isn't going to fix your ills. I just hope it doesn't get worse.

Millennials and protest voters. Your ideals have consequences.

Non voters. If you don't want a say in the process, don't complain about the result.

Women. 53% of your sisters just rewarded misogyny. Was it worth not volunteering/talking about it even when it was uncomfortable/donating? No matter what you did, you could have done more. Never forget that.

Minorities. 25-29% of your brothers and sisters voted for a man who's seen as a messianic figure by people who seek to gut you of fundamental rights and remove you from this country. Same question as above.

White voters. A significant portion of your white brothers and sisters just voted to prop themselves back up on the back of your non-white brothers and sisters. Same question as above.

Men. You have mothers, sisters, and daughters. Same question as above.

LGBTQ individuals. I'm sorry, I really am. Still, same question as above.

I think that's everyone.

Point is, democracy is hard, it takes effort. If you're not doing a lot of soul searching right now, you're bound to repeat this mistake.

This is the world we deserve right now.

But maybe, just maybe, if we hold onto that pain in our gut, we can pick ourselves up off the mat. Then we can get to fixing this, protecting the vulnerable, and finally committing our fullest efforts.

Maybe then we'll inherit a better world, because we'll have earned it.