Election Day
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election: from the Latin e (out) and legere (choose) 1. a choosing or choice; 2. a choosing or choice by votes.
Change and choices are steady themes on this site and in my life. There is more in the west wind today than the expected, seasonal changes and downshift of life's pace in autumn (both very apparent in Cannon Beach right now.)
The obvious are the votes we have cast. We will have a new mayor and new councilors; we are waiting to hear about our senator. Of course we have a new President, one whose mantra is, coincidentally, "Change is coming." I watched the red and blue results of a country ready for something different. As gracious as John McCain was as he delivered his concession, others in the room were not, and I was praying that these people would be able to make the necessary attitude adjustments and play nicely. During the inspiring and also gracious acceptance speech of our new leader, the cameras swept over the faces of his supporters, some crying, some smiling, all completely engaged and hopeful. This election--this choice--is a historical beginning. I've not seen hope in a long time, and I remember feeling deflated and hope-less on the election night four years ago.
The not-so-obvious changes and elections are my personal ones. The evolution continues as much as I'd like the world to stop so I can get off for a couple of days. I escaped to Portland last week, which opened up more possibilities. Friend Lisa and I talked tonight about the difference between making choices based on love or fear and with one's head or heart. I realize that I, more often than not, have grown to trust my intuition about what feels right for me and elect to accept and even embrace what happens next. And I'm not afraid. "Change is coming."
The saying goes, "Life is not a spectator sport." The world will not wait while I step off to collect my thoughts and bearings. President-elect Obama talked of how America has a history of change as it has moved along its path, and there is plenty of work for everyone to do in order to keep moving ahead and fix what's wrong. It's exciting, invigorating and daunting. Ready or not, we've made our choices.
Election: from the Latin e (out) and legere (choose) 1. a choosing or choice; 2. a choosing or choice by votes.
Change and choices are steady themes on this site and in my life. There is more in the west wind today than the expected, seasonal changes and downshift of life's pace in autumn (both very apparent in Cannon Beach right now.)
The obvious are the votes we have cast. We will have a new mayor and new councilors; we are waiting to hear about our senator. Of course we have a new President, one whose mantra is, coincidentally, "Change is coming." I watched the red and blue results of a country ready for something different. As gracious as John McCain was as he delivered his concession, others in the room were not, and I was praying that these people would be able to make the necessary attitude adjustments and play nicely. During the inspiring and also gracious acceptance speech of our new leader, the cameras swept over the faces of his supporters, some crying, some smiling, all completely engaged and hopeful. This election--this choice--is a historical beginning. I've not seen hope in a long time, and I remember feeling deflated and hope-less on the election night four years ago.
The not-so-obvious changes and elections are my personal ones. The evolution continues as much as I'd like the world to stop so I can get off for a couple of days. I escaped to Portland last week, which opened up more possibilities. Friend Lisa and I talked tonight about the difference between making choices based on love or fear and with one's head or heart. I realize that I, more often than not, have grown to trust my intuition about what feels right for me and elect to accept and even embrace what happens next. And I'm not afraid. "Change is coming."
The saying goes, "Life is not a spectator sport." The world will not wait while I step off to collect my thoughts and bearings. President-elect Obama talked of how America has a history of change as it has moved along its path, and there is plenty of work for everyone to do in order to keep moving ahead and fix what's wrong. It's exciting, invigorating and daunting. Ready or not, we've made our choices.
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