Yes, We all Can!

Okay, by now you may have gotten over the shock, the surprise, the disbelief and the excitement of having our first African-American President. For my part, I haven’t! I am still riding the burst of energy created by his historic win. If his victory doesn’t give you a jolt, then I don’t know what else can. We can all apply the same focus, self-confidence, drive, determination and faith to our own projects. As soon as the election was called in his favor, I decided to pick up some of the stuff that I have been putting off and use the Barack Obama factor as a motivator and inspiration to get some of the hardest tasks ahead of me, done.

I used to use Black women from the past to provide me with the justification of why we are capable of doing and being whatever we want to do or be. Of course, I still do, but Obama’s story provides an additional, modern dose of inspiration. The fact that he and his incredibly supportive partner Michelle did not wait for the opportunity to be presented is a lesson that we can all learn when it seems like our lives, jobs or families are getting in the way of getting ahead. Obama started life as the least likely future president. The opportunity was never presented so, against all odds, he went out and created it.

There were those who said he couldn’t win. Others said America wouldn’t come on board. Some said he shouldn’t even try and he said, “I can!” And he did! He set-up the right team, had the right attitude, and of course a right plan. It is a lesson to us all—If you think you can’t, you won’t. If you feel you can, and do your best to make it happen, then you will.

Have the audacity of hope!