President Barack Obama....I just want to say it over and over again

I, um, am really not sure how to approach this blog post. I had to wait a few days just to let it all sink in. Too many smiles this past week have left deep laugh lines on my face. Many of my friends have cried tears of joy, but for me, no tears this time around, just smiles. Smiles, smiles, and more smiles. I really can't stop, it might become a bit of a problem. : )

I can honestly say that the core of my being has been fundamentally changed for the better because of this election, and these types of statements are not ones I toss around lightly. I see the world with new eyes in three distinct ways:

1) I have a sincere, renewed belief in the American Dream, having watched it unfold before my very eyes.

To watch Barack Obama rise from almost nothing to become the President of the United States, the highest office in the land, the most powerful man in the world, has been breathtaking for me. I take pride in the fact that I've really been enraptured by this man for almost two years now, and not because of any dazzling speeches (sensational though they may be). I am really not one for talk. I've heard a lot of people talk beautifully about absolutely nothing and that has never impressed me. But when I saw what he actually started to accomplish, little by little, from the bottom up, I was in awe of his superior intellect, charisma, and leadership skills. His ability to create a national campaign rooted in the strength of a grassroots network and steer it to victory. His vision for bold change in this country, after eight years of turmoil. I said below that he deserves to be the President and I meant it. And here we see someone that was not a part of the old boys network, not a part of any political dynasty, someone who actually deserves to lead this country based on merit, rise to the top. It is awe-inspiring, hair-raising and everything in between.

2) I have a new fire under my belly to just go and do the things I endeavor to do, for what is fear?

I look up to the Obamas and in thinking about their journey I have to ask myself, "exactly what am I so afraid of in this life?" The Obamas decided to face this seemingly impossible challenge head on, with the odds stacked wholly against them. With not only the possibility of losing and the irretrievable time/resources associated with that outcome, but even more paramount, the possible danger inherent in this bold and historic step, in a country known for its drastic and violent response to change. If the Obamas can take a look at that challenge and decide that fear was not an option this time around; that the possible upside to this step far outweighed these serious potential risks, then what the heck am I waiting for??? After last Tuesday it actually became easier to start checking things off my to-do list, one by one. My mantra: If Obama can, then dang it, YES I CAN!

3) A newly minted and sincere dedication to my government.

And lastly, President Obama (it just rolls off the tongue...try it) has made me believe that not only am I capable of participating in our government; that not only is it my duty as an American citizen to take an active role in this country's involvement in the world community; but that I actually....can....make...a difference. I'll be honest - in my head I knew that I should. I voted all the time because intellectually it was the right thing to do. But in my heart I was not engaged. I did not believe that my values were reflected by anyone in the white house or any of those other buildings in the District. I just didn't have the passion. But now I have experienced that all President Obama has said has actually WORKED. It has been proven. I am a believer. As much as I owned a piece of his campaign, I also aspire to own a piece of his presidency because I know that he cannot do it alone. It's not enough to just hold him accountable (which we should!), we must also pitch in. Whatever President Obama needs me to do as a citizen of this great country I will try my best to meet the challenge. He has shown me my own power. Talk about leadership.

So of course, I have a couple of things for you to check out. My good friend Baratunde summed up the joy pretty succinctly here. And of course, being the thorough brotha that he is, President Obama has already set up the transition site, keep up with the changes here.

And with that, we move forward into a new day. I am still smiling. :)



Ok, enough reflection, now onto more serious matters because really what do we do next? LOL:

Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are