In an honest essay for Cosmopolitan magazine, Hillary Clinton opened up about the future of American politics, urging women to run for office.

“To any woman who has ever asked, ‘How can I have an impact?,’ consider this: Run for office,” she writes. “There are plenty of reasons why we need more women in office. That’s true whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent. One of my favorite parts of being a U.S. senator was working with my women colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Studies show that women are particularly good at bipartisanship and building consensus. We’re also more likely to champion policies that benefit women and children. And in Congress, women introduce more legislation than their male counterparts. It’s like the saying goes: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy woman to do it.’”

She continued: “I can’t blame any woman who has doubts about facing the sexism and double standard that comes with seeking elected office. Many of us are also our own harshest critic – we mull over our shortcomings, list the reasons why we’re not qualified, and think about all the people who should run instead. That’s what I did the first time someone approached me about running for office. You know what? I got over it, and so can you.”

“I know this has been a tough year for a lot of us and for our country,” she adds. “Sometimes, our political landscape can feel pretty bleak. But on the hardest days, I draw hope and joy from all of the women I’ve met since the election who are determined to keep fighting for what they believe. In fact, according to groups like EMILY’s List, EMERGE America, and Run for Something, women are signing up for candidate training programs in record numbers since the election. That makes my heart sing.”

Read the whole op-ed at Cosmo.