Margaret Mead, POTUS, Fiona and Bobby Wier
November 5, 2009Margaret Mead said “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” which got me thinking about our nation, the kind of people we are and what it is that motivates us. One year ago we elected a historic commander-in-chief — one born with no famous name, no impressive blood lines, an absent father and a mountain of student loans. For those of us whom (sometimes naively) believe that we can change the world — he did and he will.
What was it about this man? What is is about our people? The simple answer is yes, again, it is communications. Obama was able to reach inside each of us and leverage our best. He reminded many of us of the collective journey that named us Americans. He
got young people to wave the flag with lumps in their throats as they said our pledge. He has his critics, more daily — with their own reasons for Obama disdain. In Obama’s way, he makes room is his tent for those folks too — because that is the kind of man he is. He encourages that heartening American dialog –for him, against him, make a difference, change the world, hear Margaret Mead — Yes, you can.
As we each slog through the day, pay the bills, change the diapers, empty the trash, proof the documents, represent the client — why does this apply and why does it matter? The down and dirty is that the environment that our leaders create around us is one that enables us to perform the menial tasks that comprise our lives. Whether fully aware, we each respond to the universe of that chatter and it either motivates us or not. Some of us are motivated by the positive nature of the world, some of us are propelled by anger — but we each are thrust forward — for better, or????
While many of us may never be privy to fame and fortune — we can benefit by standing close to stardom. We are privileged to observe those men and women who blatantly change the world. We observe it in snippets. My beautiful Australian assistant became a US citizen last year and voted as an American in November, 2008. In that moment, she changed the world. Today her mother will join her in our country to partake in what is still our multicultural dream. Yes, she did.
As a long-suffering student of motivation and positive psychology, I implore you to become introspective for a few moments. Take stock — know that in however it is you choose to spend your time, you are changing the world. Know that it is not all pretty — and there are tough days even (and especially) for POTUS. Know that the way in which you communicate to those in your orbit will modulate both their panacea and your own. Know that you are only one person — but in a world that needs you… remember what music- legend Bobby Wier still chants ” every silver lining has a touch of gray…I will survive.”
In gray cashmere in a panacea of vivid red falling leaves,
Jennifer
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