WASHINGTON DC (TIP): Hillary Clinton, in her first public speech since last week’s crushing presidential loss, admitted making the appearance “wasn’t the easiest”.

Clinton was speaking at the Children’s Defense Fund’s “Beat The Odds” Gala on November 16 night. “I will admit, coming here tonight wasn’t the easiest thing for me,” Clinton said. “There have been a few times this past week where all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again.” Nevertheless, she attempted to inspire her audience and emphasized a line of Martin Luther King Jr. that is oft quoted by President Barack Obama throughout her speech: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

Her speech was part reflection, part pledge to remain strong in the face of a Trump administration. “We have work to do, and for the sake of our children and our families and our country, I ask you to stay engaged, stay engaged on every level,” Clinton said. “We need you. America needs you, your energy, your ambition, your talent. That is how we get through this.”