The outside temperature has dropped about fifty degrees in the last couple days in my Colorado town, but this morning, I couldn’t help but get out on my streets. Though sleep last night was a secondary priority, I woke up this morning with a certain kind of energy that made me want to go out and be in the world. As I stepped out on my front porch and breathed in the silence that only a 4:00 a.m. run holds, I didn’t even mind that I could see the vapor of my breath.
As I began to put one foot in front of the other and as I inhaled the cold morning air, I couldn’t help but get tears in my eyes. Yesterday the country I call home elected a new President, and I believe with all my heart that this was the best choice for us. The ideas, the principles, the encouragement of hope, and the promise of change– I believe in all of that. It is not my intention to post this as a way of saying “ha!” in the face of those who don’t feel the way I do. I have to believe that all of us felt just as strongly as I did about this election, and that we all had our reasons. Whether those reasons were countless or few, they are ours and I am thankful we live in a country that allows us to act upon them.
Through the cold air this morning, I thought about that. I thought about our choices in the United States and the principles our country is built around, and I felt good. I felt good to be a part of it, good to witness the history that was made that I could not have imagined, and good about moving forward. Though the sun is not up here in Colorado just yet, I know it’s rising on the East coast now. And perhaps when we all see the day break this morning, we can take a minute to reflect. For me I know that I’m reassured that above just about anything else, hope is good.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Hooray Obama! I’m so happy for you!
I was just eating breakfast and thinking how nice it was to vote the same way as your state and hell even as the country.
It is wonderful to be part of the process – to be able to vote your mind and your heart.
I’m glad to know you don’t mind running at 4am. It’s a great time of day.
From my perspective in Canada, it feels like there is new hope and optimism for Americans today.
I just read a columnist who talked about how great it is that the foundations laid out so many years ago work still today. She commented that our country underwent a revolution last night – the change of a major political party – and yet it was done through ideas, with no force or bloodshed. It is amazing and inspiring.
I also feel hope – and I saw it in the faces of those listening to Obama in Grant Park. All ages, all ethnicities – there was hope and joy there. I know that is what I felt as I listened, and that is what I feel today.
Right there with you. Except for the running part.
I was thinking about you as we waited for the Colorado election results to come in. I’m so happy for us all.
i’ve had the whole tears in my eyes too. black, white, green – i don’t care… to me it wasn’t about electing our first black president (although that is pretty cool – don’t get me wrong), it is about us americans saying okay, they last 8 years didn’t work, but there is something we can do about it. and we did it. yay!
I’m so happy! I have so much hope for our future!
amen sister!
Congratulations on a great result… for you all in The USA and for everyone else globally too. We have great hopes also.
Cheers!
You gave me goosebumps.
Leslie, I don’t even live there anymore but I felt the same excitement this morning. Am thrilled for the whole world, and especially the US.
Congratulations to my American friends for a wonderful election and for giving us all such a wonderful night, full of hope and promise.
Nice job, colorado! Although, my state of Ga went its typical route, at least my city voted the way I did! Yippee. A new era!!!
YES.
What a nice way to celebrate on the day that everything has suddenly changed for the better. Anything is possible now. I believe it!!
I believe hope has always been one of the most important and defining characteristics of this great country. Therefore, the hope many of us felt on Tuesday is the same sort of hope that our founders may have felt in 1776 when they declared their independence. And for that I am truly thankful.
Obama rocks! I’m so glad he won. It speaks wonders about our country, and lifts us in the eyes of the world.
How on earth do you get out of bed at 4am for a run!? Amazing. I run or cycle at lunch. The only exercise I get before then is walking across the kitchen to my cappuccino machine.
I love waking up before the sun comes up – it’s a routine for me – it’s a fresh new day and I want to sieze it!
I was amazed that I actually voted for the winner for once…this was the first time. I just hope he can do a small fraction of what he talked about.
I heard about this article on the radio, and looked it up, not sure why I thought of you…:)
http://www.twincities.com/ci_10906048?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com
Hopefully that works.
Two presidential terms is enough of being heart-sick for the country and the economy and the environment and the world.
It is a new day…
And hope will not disappoint us!!