A Fight for a Better America: Election Season 2020 Reflections

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“Regardless of which side you were on in the election, regardless of whether your candidate won or lost, the sun would come up in the morning. And that is one bit of prognosticating that actually came true. The sun is up.[…] One thing you realize quickly in this job is that the presidency and the vice presidency is bigger than any of us. […] Now, everybody is sad when their side loses an election, but the day after we have to remember that we're actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We're not Democrats first. We're not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We're patriots first. We all want what's best for this country. That's what the country needs -- a sense of unity, a sense of inclusion, a respect for our institutions, our way of life, rule of law, and respect for each other. […] That's the nature of campaigns, that's the nature of democracy. It is hard and sometimes contentious and noisy and it's not always inspiring. But to the young people who got into politics for the first time and may be disappointed by the results, I just want you to know, you have to stay encouraged. Don't get cynical, don't ever think you can't make a difference. As Secretary Clinton said this morning, fighting for what is right is worth it. Sometimes you lose an argument, sometimes you lose an election. You know, the path that this country has taken has never been a straight line. We zig and zag and sometimes we move in ways that some people think is forward and others think is moving back, and that's OK. […] The point though is [is] that we all go forward with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens, because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy. That's how this country has moved forward for 240 years. It's how we've pushed boundaries and promoted freedom around the world. That's how we've expanded the rights of our founding to reach all of our citizens. It's how we have come this far. And that's why I'm confident that this incredible journey that we're on, as Americans, will go on.”

These were some of the words from President Barack Obama the day after President Donald J Trump’s 2016 win. For the past four years, these words have continued to inspire and push me to never give up the fight for what is right. Although Election 2016 was a loss for the Democratic Party, the words of President Obama resonated with many Americans. One loss was not the end of it all. That one loss ignited the fire to fight for what is right for the next four years, and thereafter.

I am a child of South Asian immigrants. I am also a woman. I also belong to the upper middle class population.  Being an American with the demographics I identify with was not always easy. Asians were not allowed to naturalize as Americans until the 1940s and women were not even allowed to vote until the 1920s. That is the very nature of being an American. We push boundaries and we fight for the fundamental rights for all. Since the conception of our country with the words that “All men are created equal,” Americans have not stopped fighting until all men are truly treated as equals. As President Obama stated, “Americans, will go on.” That is what makes our country great – our drive to never give up and to keep fighting for what’s right.

The past four years have opened up the eyes of many Americans as to what is wrong with our nation. No country is perfect, but it can only be successful if, generation after generation, the constituents challenge the status quo and work to create a better nation. We have done this at many points of our history. Our ancestors challenged the status quo and upheld the fundamental roots of our democracy, which resulted in movements such as the Abolishment, Civil Rights Movement, Immigration Reform, Suffragette Movement and so on. As a member of the youth of our nation in this crucial period in history, I want to continue on the passion for a better America our ancestors sought.

This election, unlike others, has not been a competition for a difference in policies. It is a clear divide between what is right and what is wrong. We are in a fight to protect the fundamental basic rights of all Americans. We are in a fight to protect our Earth from environmental threats. We are in a fight to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ community members have their marital and sexual rights protected. We are in a fight to abolish systemic racism. We are in a fight to end religious intolerance. We are in a fight to create a safe and efficient way for people all across the globe to immigrate to America to live their own American dream. We are in a fight to protect the rights of women and give them the freedom to choose what to do with their bodies. We are in a fight to uphold the Constitution and safeguard our democracy from anything that threatens to break it down. That is what the Election of 2020 has at stake.

Following the 2016 sentiments of President Barack Obama, we will not give up. No matter what happens today, the fight is only just starting. No matter who becomes President, Americans have a lot to do to ensure a better America. When we vote, we take a big step into creating the country that is a great country for all its citizens. That is why it is imperative to be an educated and informed voter.

Whether our country is red or blue November 4, 2020, we still be Americans at the end of it all. As Americans, it is our job to protect the rights of anyone who lives on our land. Never give that up.

 

To all Americans, good luck.

 




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Love, peace and good health to you all!

Until next time, 



Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend: My Favorite Diamond Necklaces and How to Style them

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As a little girl, I was always mesmerized by my mother's and grandmother’s diamond jewelry. There has to be some truth in the saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. Diamonds can elevate any outfit or look, and make you feel like you are getting ready for breakfast at Tiffany’s. Although evoking a feel of luxury, it can be quite difficult to style diamonds on a daily basis.

Minimalist jewelry is all the rage right now, and I am so glad diamonds are being used in the trend. So, I wanted to break down my favorite types of diamond necklaces and how I like to style them. These pieces of jewelry are also going to be an excellent addition to the upcoming Holiday season.

For me, I like picking pieces that are very simple yet elegant. When you choose pieces like that, your outfit is immediately elevated, but it is also not too extravagant and flashy. The key is to pick a diamond necklace in a finish that matches the other jewelry you wear on a normal basis. So, if you wear more gold jewelry than you would pick out a necklace in a gold finish. Or if you wear more rose gold, you would pick out a necklace in rose gold, and so on.

Dainty necklaces with a good diamond can be a style statement in any setting. Whether you wear it to work or to a fancy black tie event, it is sure to make heads turn. I love styling my necklaces with my office wear -  with a simple dress or pant suit -  and on my nights out. I also love to throw them on when I am wearing something simple or casual but just need a small wow factor to my outfit. It is quite difficult to purchase accessories nowadays since there are so many different styles out in the market. For that reason, I like to purchase pieces that will be everlasting. The classic look of dainty diamond necklaces will never go out of style. That way you never have to worry about not having any accessories to dress up your outfits.

It is also great to keep in mind that nowadays more jewelry retailers are switching to ethically sourced diamonds, which make the purchase of these necklaces even more worthwhile. Ethically sourced diamonds also are more reasonably priced and affordable, which means you won’t break your bank in purchasing them.

There are so many ways to style these necklaces!

Here are my top three favorite ways:

1.       1. With a business casual neutral colored dress and a blazer

2.       2. With a simple monochrome casual outfit (which is how I have styled it in these pictures)

3.       3. Any all black outfit or little black dress

So if you are looking to elevate your look, I would highly suggest purchasing your own.

 

Here I am styling my two dainty diamond necklaces with a casual off the shoulder dress from Boohoo.

 









Until next time,

 

Peace, love and good health to you all!

 

XOXO Shipra


*This blog post is in partnership with Nakturnal! 

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