Americans woke up to a new President Elect, an elected President who for many feel leaves our country divided. On one side, you have people who view this day as a day of great hope, while others feel this is a time of despair. Some feel that the results of the election will bring about change in the “status quo” leadership of the government, while others feel a heavy presence of overtones of racism and bigotry.
I am not going to deliver the same old message that you are bound to hear. “It’s time to come together as a nation.”
No, I am going to tell you that WE are BETTER than that! If we are better, then we can do better!
I have lived and survived the terms of 9 presidents – from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama. During this time, I, and many of you, have lived through and survived segregation, wars, natural disasters, presidential scandals, near economic collapse and terrorism, both home and abroad.
What is the common thread? We have, despite our many differences, managed to survive and thrive, independently and as a nation.
I submit to you today those of you most displeased with the election results have an enormous opportunity and perhaps a personal responsibility to do something to move our country in the right direction. Be a change agent; be the change that you want to see. You can do more and you can be more! Let your light shine instead of hiding it under a basket. Interesting that those who get involved and contribute the most complain the least…
What can you do? Become involved in local politics. Volunteer for organizations that support your ideals. Create your own organization that supports your areas of need. Continue to work on improving yourself. Take classes. Listen to and read inspirational material. Improve your health – eat better, exercise and seek professional help. Pray. Love.
For those who are happy with the outcome of the election, feel good; feel proud and continue to work to keep this country great. Build bridges and take the high road. Seek first to understand before being understood. You too can also get and stay involved. And by all means, show compassion!
Adversity presents the greatest opportunity for us to grow. It takes each individual citizen of the United States to keep our nation great, not the politicians. I look forward to the next four years to see the person that I become, to see the person that some of you become and to see who we become as a nation! I encourage you to do the same.
My 84 year old mother sent me a text message this morning, “Love is in the air.” I replied, “It always has been.”
Let your light shine,
Ivan Anderson
Awesome observations. Let this be your motivation for change. Read, ask questions, get involved. As someone said this morning, mid-term elections are closer than we think…..Be encouraged
Thank you Jamie J. We all have opportunities to contribute in positive ways. Hooray for the mid-term elections and the democratic process!
I appreciate the comforting words. “be the change you want to see.” I believe focusing on being positive will result in a positive outlook of the cards life deals.
Perspective is everything! “Seek first to understand before being understood.” The universe seems to reflect the kind of energy that you put into it. Be open minded.
I agree with you Nikki C regarding the universe reflecting the kind of energy that we put in to it. Please share your optimism with others in hopes that it will catch on.
Thank you for these words of encouragement Ivan.
You are quite welcome Laura D. There is just so much negativity going around that I wanted to encourage folks to become part of the solution.
Laura, it is my pleasure. Without vison (and hope), people perish. Let us keep the become of hope shining brightly! If we don’t, what do we have left?
Amen! Ivan. Politicians do not have the power within themselves to change this nation. Change will happen one individual at a time. The great question is, who can change these individuals and by what means will they change?
Thank you for your response Sharon. I feel that we as individuals have an opportunity to start the process right now and not be concerned about what others may or may not do. Our shift and actions may become a catalyst for others to take action. Let’s do our parts!
Great positive insight and wisdom to what you stated.
All will be well for the next four years if we have that kind of attitude!
Thanks Dorothy. I believe that it is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us. A friend of my says “Attitude is everything. Make it a good one.” Which attitude will you choose?
Thank you for reminding us that our peace, power and prosperity is in our hands. I love the graphic you chose.
Thanks Alison for your feedback. Each of us has an opportunity to make a personal contribution to emit peace, live out of authentic power and live in the prosperity that it brings. Your thoughts?
I love that you echoed Mahatma Gandhi’s words of wisdom as they certainly apply today. Everybody can do something and I agree with you that it is a personal responsibility of everyone and urge us to do at least one thing. Whether is prayer, marching, getting involved in civics, politics, working against voter suppression, working on immigration, educating the public ongoverment, legialation, democracy and how to get involved. There is so much WE THD PEOPLE can do! I thank you for igniting a flame and encouraging folks to live on purpose. Be well my friend, I’m doing my part:-)
Tara
Thank you Tara for you feedback. I know you are doing your part. This election has pitted friends and family against each other. I know that many people value your opinion. I hope my words are something that you are willing to perhaps share. I also hope that my words will inspire others to get involved and have positive outlooks.
We are in the midst of great change(for the better)! There are always growing pains when these changes come about, as Neil Donald Walsh says it’s the storm before the calm. I choose to create peace and prosperity for myself and hope that others will start to feel the higher vibrations.
I love your perspective. It is easy to live in fear. However, we can choose something else, something like living in hope, viewing this as a time of great opportunity. Good for you, create peace and prosperity. I hope your attitude will be infectious. We need it!
Great message. I try to understand BOTH sides of any issue. It’s hard work especially when you try to understand, not simply stand in an echo chamber. Stretching your mind is as important as stretching your body.