Yin vs YangThe Battle for Success in Life

For the past few months, my partner Chris and I have battled countless times about the election. He is an adamant Obama supporter and I am an adamant arguer, which means I like to get his blood boiling by playing devil’s advocate. However, I definitely can say I am a huge fan of John McCain. I love his life story, his class, his hunger to do the right thing, and his never say die attitude. It’s why he got my vote.

I also was a fan of Sarah Palin. I know many people did not like her, especially for VP, but I did. I thought she handled what was thrown on her lap with great dignity, even if she was a bit conservative for my taste. I also come from a Republican household, so I consistently heard how good of a candidate and an American John McCain was. I’m sure that played a big role in my preference.

As the election came, and the overwhelming majority of America spoke by voting for Barack Obama, I felt bad for McCain after the effort he gave.  I don’t think he realistically ever had a chance but he certainly gave it his all. I thought his concession speech was pure class, something not shown by the McCain supporters who booed Obama during it.

I also have great admiration for the camaraderie that developed over time between the candidates. I grew to respect Obama, even if I differed with some of his viewpoints, just by the way he handled the race & his victory.

But then on Wednesday morning (i fell asleep Tuesday night), I watched the new President Elect Obama make his first speech as our future president.

I have to say, that what I saw completely changed my mind about everything.

For one night at least, it was not about politics. It was not about the worst economic crisis this century. It was not about abortion, or whether the war is right in Iraq. It was not about Democrats or Republicans. It was not about any political stance. What I witnessed was a true change in this country, and a change in myself.

I could not get over the elation from Obama’s supporters. If you watched the speech you heard about the African American lady from Atlanta who, at 106 years old, voted for Obama. As Obama spoke about all the things she lived through, I began to understand what this election means to so many people. I began to see the joy and hope in millions of his supporter’s eyes. It was inspiring to see so many people incredibly emotional and proud to be American.

It is not something I have witnessed since shortly after 9/11.  I think that right there shows that Obama was the right choice to lead at this time. The simple fact that his journey has inspired an entire country of young people shows what anyone can do if they believe they can.

If we believe America is a great place, a great place America will become.

Believing in yourself, and who you are, is the critical to your success in anything you do. Many people wait for others to believe in them before they are confident enough to believe in themselves. However, truly great people, believe in themselves long before anyone else does. Their belief in themselves is so strong, that it naturally permeates to others. Their undying attitude inspires the rest of us to say….

‘Yes we can.’

Never was that more clear to me then after I watched the incredible speech Obama gave. I was inspired, not only for my country, but for myself as well. It’s quite a challenge to believe in yourself, however, the opportunity is there for us all. Whether you want to be the next president, make a million dollars, stop world hunger, or simply become a writer, all it takes is the inner strength to believe it is possible.

The rest is just a matter of time.

What will happen from here on out with the President Elect remains to be seen. He has many tough challenges to face and a whole country hoping he can make a change. However, at least for right now, he has made more of a difference in America than I ever imagined possible. He has provided inspiration at a time the entire country is starving for it. He has reawakened the reality of the American Dream. That is something I will always cherish witnessing, regardless of my political stance.

So, from a McCain supporter, congratulations to President Elect Obama. It is very apparent you were a great choice and I look forward with the rest of America to better times under your leadership.

For those that were under a rock the last few days, or for those who want to watch it again, below is the speech from President Elect Barack Obama on Nov. 4th, 2008 in Chicago, shortly after he won the presidency.