We made it through the election! That was more suspense than a Mystery Novel, but after 3 times running for President, Vice President Biden is now President Elect. Senator Kamala Harris will be the first Woman, the first Woman of Color and the first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States. Whether you celebrate this news or not, it is a great and historical accomplishment, as well as an equality victory.
“Don’t aim to break the glass ceiling; aim to shatter it.”
-Matshona Dhliwayo
We have been thinking alot about the topic of Not Giving Up. We are told as kids to not give up, to keep going, to pursue our dreams, but then little caveats start getting flung our way. We start seeing that we are broken down by race, by religion, by body type, by our gender, we are told we can do certain things and succeed because our family has money and others cannot because of their family’s lack of socioeconomic pull. We are indoctrinated early and pigeonholed by others' view of what we can and cannot achieve. Sooner or later we learn, it doesn’t matter what others think about us. It matters what we think and our drive to accomplish our goals, regardless of how many naysayers there are telling us we can’t.
“One of the most powerful lessons in life is to recognize that no one can give you power, and many people don’t want you to have it. You have to find the courage to seize it, own it and hold on!”
-Shannon L. Alder
What we hope everyone sees and internalizes from our election is that glass ceilings were smashed across the board. This election has given us leaders that more than ever reflect our varied skin tones, religious affinities, sexual orientations, different body types and abilities. Some of our elected officials are from families that immigrated to America, while others are from Native Tribes, the original inhabitants of our nation. We are stepping away from the notion that if you are not a White, Straight, Anglo Saxon, Male, you are still welcome to a seat at the table. Seeing ourselves reflected in Government officials means that we are doing something right as a nation and that is a huge step forward.
“Never say never, for if you live long enough, chances are you will not be able to abide by the simplest of such injunctions.” -Gloria Swanson
Now the question is, how does this apply to my life? So glad you asked!
No matter what you are going through at the moment, no matter how much you are doubting yourself, no matter how low you are, remember these facts:
*You are stronger than you know and your possibilities in life are endless
*What feels like it might kill you, most often won’t, our minds react to physical and emotional pain with unnerving worst case scenarios
*You always have a place to safely vent or freak out at www.supportgroups.com
*Consider creating a mantra for moments when you need it, such as:
**I am Limitless
**This moment will Pass
**I am greater than my Fears
**This will end because I am stronger than what is plaguing me
Today is a good day to make some changes in your life and to evaluate what is hindering your ability to move forward. Sit down and really think about this, if you see yourself as a loser, as someone who can’t do anything right, who will never succeed, your destiny might very well seem bleak. Alternatively, when we view ourselves as flawed, but amazing, our ability to soar is wide open. Most successful people had to work really hard to get where they are, success if very rarely handed out on a silver platter.
Go after what you want to accomplish in this life, ask for support when you need it and help in the form of counseling and medication when it is called for. Needing support, therapy and medication to live an amazing life is brave and nothing to ever be ashamed of. If they help you live a brighter and more fulfilled life, then cheers to you for making such a wise decision.
As always, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life. We are honored and blessed everyday because of you. Thank you for your trust.
-Team SG
