It's Your Right

READY...“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” ~ John Qunicy Adams, 6^th US President 1825-1829

AIM…  It was an exciting morning.  I got every family member ready and out the door for work and school in normal fashion.  However, instead of heading to work, I drove straight to my polling place where I, like many other Americans, would be casting my vote for the President of the United States along with many other local leaders.  When I arrived, the parking lot was already full. Wow!  I was thrilled to know that so many of my neighbors and friends were excited to vote today too.  As I got out of my car and walked toward the door of the building, I felt this huge swell of pride rise up inside of me.  I, yes I, Lori Bodkin, was going to VOTE!  Sidebar - I have voted many times before, but never really felt like I did today.  Before today, I voted out of obligation because it’s my civil duty and because I, as an American, have the freedom to do so.  Today, however, was different.  Today, I was feeling overwhelmed with gratitude that I COULD vote.  I am a woman.  In other countries, women do not get to vote and their opinions do not matter.  I am an American citizen.  The men and women in the military have fought and died so I would continue to have the freedom to vote and choose the leaders of my country.  I am a human. I have feelings and morals and values and concerns about the community and nation in which I live.  I want only the best for my family and our future.  Today, I was simply overcome with the idea that other men and women in our nation could also vote and celebrate our freedom to choose by placing our opinions in the hands of God (and the hopefully, well-trained poll workers.)  It was a day I realized that no matter what, we all love to live in America and we all respect the positions of our leaders and all we really want is to feel like we are a contributing member of society.  So, into the building I went and collected my ballot; I VOTED for the people I felt would do the best job for all of us and the rest will soon be history.  I happily skipped out to my car wearing my “I Voted” sticker like a badge of honor.  I hope you voted today too.  Regardless of your political views and opinions, let’s all remember we were originally called the melting pot for a reason and we can all be thankful we still have the right to share our decisions with the entire nation.  For that, we can all be truly grateful.

FIRE!   Tomorrow is a new day!  Let’s put aside our selfish pride and hidden agendas and remember above all else, we are Americans.  We live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, and we must continue to be ONE nation under GOD, indivisible, providing liberty and justice for ALL!

Be Excellent!
Lori

 

Welcome To The Human Race

READY..."I am not a human being; I am a human becoming.”  ~Author Unknown

AIM…Have you ever met someone who’s got it all together?  You know the one.  Her life is wonderful: her hair is always styled; her lipstick is always on; her children are well-behaved, and her husband is a great provider.  Yep, you know her.  We all know her. However, behind all the wonderfulness is a living, breathing human being.  Behind those accessories and well-matched outfits is a woman with feelings and emotions and probably dealing with the same problems that the rest of us deal with. However, from the outside, you’d never know it.  She hides her imperfections so well.  Her mantra is “a place for everything and everything in its place.”   So, when life happens and all those things that used to fit so neatly inside her life box come spilling out, it’s almost surprising to us, the casual on-lookers. Secretly, we savor a moment of satisfaction knowing that perfect lives do not exist for anyone. Real life does indeed happen to all of us every single day. The only difference is that some folks are better at going with the flow when life throws them a curve ball. Some folks need an entourage and a pity party when life happens.  

No matter what, grace is the best gift to offer when you recognize that yep, she’s human too.  Life doesn’t have to be perfect anymore.  What a relief!

FIRE!   The next time you encounter a difficult situation with someone, pause, redirect and give her grace.  Perhaps there’s more to her life story than you realize.  Oftentimes, a those perfect closet doors are hiding a mountain of problems.

Be Excellent!
Lori