Yep, it’s that time again. In a year full of uncertainties, stress, anxiety, hopelessness and a bunch more words, or expletives we find ourselves asking the question again. Who do I chose as president elect this time? Some of us have been stressing about this for a while, some just don’t care. Regardless of where you stand there is no doubt, things will change depending on the outcome of this evening.
I don’t like to sway minds in one way or other because that is not the principles of posilivety. Living harmoniously regardless of our beliefs, cultures. Living the life we choose, or to be cliché -living our best life- is my main focus in life. We aren’t promised tomorrow so live the life you dream of today.
All that aside though there is no doubt, the ramifications of today’s end result will linger for some time. Being a firm believer in choosing your own destiny, I am a firm believer in getting out there and voting. This is one of the greatest gifts we have been given as humanity, the power to choose. I challenge all of you to get out there today and let your voice be heard. Be responsible of course, if not for you, for the peace of mind of others who are out there voting during a pandemic.
Whatever the outcome today though, remain a united people. As Abe once said (or that other guy, the carpenters son), “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.” We need to remain a country in harmony with its diversity. One of the reasons I am proud to be American, that melting pot of cultures, races, personalities and belief systems. There will always be outcomes or situations living in America that we strongly disagree with. We cannot alienate each other over these issues. Freedom of speech gives us our soap box to make known why we believe in a certain way but be objective and listen to your fellow Americans. You may not see eye to eye but you sure as hell can share a beer at the end of the day.
In a year full of injustice, use this day to remind yourself why your country needs you. Make an effort today to reflect on yourself. How can I be more accepting? How can I remove stereotypes that have been ingrained in my mind? Make a resolution. Decide today to love all equally. Treat everyone around you regardless of their beliefs, race, religion as you would want to be treated yourself. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone to become a more rounded human being. Being a foodie, I always find food as a great way to learn about other cultures. Once a week, pick a different country, maybe even one you know little about and find a recipe online to try. As you taste the food, close your eyes for a minute and transport yourself there. For a minute feel what it is like to be someone else. You will learn how small of a fish you are in a vast ocean.
When we wake up tomorrow, outcome revealed, do not lose hope if things didn’t go the way you wanted it to. We contribute to the final result but we cannot control it. What we can control is how we process it and our actions that follow. Don’t ever stop sharing your views and your beliefs. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” -Martin Luther King Jr. You don’t want to live your life in regret, wishing you had spoken up. There will always be opposition, but that doesn’t matter. Know who you are and be you, unapologetically.
We always think that New Year’s Day is the time to make resolutions. I ask the question why wait? Everyday is a new day. For real change to happen in our lives and in our country we need to enact change daily. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.” Powerful words these are. Another principal of posilivety is living in the here and now. Don’t forget the past or stop planning for the future but do the things today, live your life today, make choices today that will impact your tomorrow. One thing this pandemic has given many of us is time. We haven’t all used this time to our best advantage, but that’s ok. Don’t beat yourself up over the past 6 months. What can you do today? Right now? Don’t let another one of Benjamin Franklin’s quotes define you, “Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75”. It took me 35 years to realize this. Some even figure this out later in life, but that’s the beauty, it’s never too late. No matter the university you attend you will always see that salt and peppered classmate. Instead of putting things on a bucket list of things to do before you die, why don’t you have the mentality of doing things while you live!
What a great day to be human! Enjoy this day, just like watching your favorite team play a final, win or lose your loyalty remains the same. Whether the next 4 years feels a bit more red than blue or vice versa, don’t stop supporting the team. 328.2 million Americans and undocumented Americans are depending on your commitment to freedom. Billions of people are watching, absolutely no pressure right?
Universal Posilivety 