Lessons from the Campaign Trail

As I write, it is November 2008, the time everyone will remember as the historic election month that changed the way we view a number of our country’s traditions and institutions. As polls closed and results poured in state by state, a wave of celebration spread around the world. We witnessed cheering, dancing, and tears of joy in Chicago, New York, Kenya, and everywhere in between. On a large scale, we have proven that hope, persistence, and positive action can begin to erode the barriers that have kept states, classes, and people alienated for too long. As a country, we will put down some of our baggage, slowly overcome the inequities of the past, and begin to feel as though we have an authentic purpose again. This election has administered a dose of transformational self-help on a national and international scale.

I think an important force has contributed to this extraordinary election, and that’s honesty. We focused on what was wrong with this country in order to reveal what is right. It was a refreshing approach that acknowledged all of our challenges, and then encouraged us to take a deep breath and remember that we all have the power within ourselves to make change. I’d like to quote the classic wisdom of Guy Finley: “Uncovering what is wrong must always precede the discovery of what is right.”

So are we going to do it? Will we rise to the challenge of creating change in ourselves, our families, and our neighborhoods? If change is as liberating as we have made it out to be, let’s not sit tight and let our newly elected president bear the burden alone. In his books, Guy Finley effortlessly teaches us to acknowledge our personal challenges and dreams, promise that we will honestly identify the source of the problems, and commit ourselves to making step-by-step positive change. His newest book, Letting Go: A Little Bit at a Time contains 365 key passages from the best-selling The Secret of Letting Go that will guide you in this process, such as the following:

“With consistent attention and persistent effort, you can release whatever now stands between you and the freedom for which your heart seeks. You can let go. Never mind what’s happened in the past; forget whatever your mind tells you can’t be done. You don’t need strength or even courage to drop those dark thoughts and feelings that have your heart and mind tied down. All you need to shatter any unwanted situation is the willingness to see what’s true and not about you.”

Finley encourages us to take small steps (which are actually huge steps in the end) and honestly focus on what we can do to transform our life, which will have a positive effect on our families, friends, coworkers, and everyone we encounter. As I see it, if it is possible to change your world, then why not the rest of it?