Lessons Learned from the Election

The election is finally over…thank goodness, because all the negativity and blaming was getting annoying. I actually found it hard to log into Facebook or turn on the television. So now we are faced with an important task, no matter who you voted for: moving forward and healing this country. Most importantly, it is time to stop bitching and griping, because that won’t help anyone – there is no easy button to push.

Here are some things we can learn from the election to help us become better Americans and better people:

1. Decide to be a do-er, not merely an observer. People like to complain and place blame on others when things don’t go their way. This is just human nature, and some folks are louder than others. It’s ok to voice your opinion, and we are lucky to be able to do so. But those who do nothing but complain need to take heed: things will never get done if you just sit back and watch (and complain). I think this is a very good time for every American to ask, “how can I help?” Jump in there and make a difference. If you don’t think you can, then you may not truly understand what it means to be an American.

2. Listen. When we get upset we tend to not listen. You can be upset about election results, but what you do from there will determine your happiness. The key is to LISTEN. Listen to other solutions, suggestions, and theories, then think of ways to put a plan into action.

3. Compromise. You cannot change results most of the time, but what you CAN do is use your great ideas and share them, in the hopes of making things a little bit better. Oftentimes you will need to compromise, so do not let that stubborn voice prevent you from making positive changes…you have to sometimes start small, remember? Don’t go into things with an “it’s my way or the highway” attitude. SHARE, LISTEN, and then see how you can help in a positive way by giving in a bit.

4. Start making a local difference right away! (this goes hand in hand with number 1) If you feel there are simply too many things that need to be changed, you need to pick one and get started. See how you can help in your hometown. Upset about school issues? Volunteer and help create new programs for students. I have done that in the bullying realm, even though there was a lot of resistance at first, and boy did it feel great to bring such an incredible program to our district and students. Sometimes you have to start small and focus on one thing at a time, but don’t let people say you can’t make a change!

Finally, if you are unable to learn anything of value from the election, you may want to move out of the country, because there are those of us who want to make America strong and vibrant again…your negativity just creates too much interference. The problems we have today cannot be put on the shoulders of one person, or one administration. We need to get moving in the right direction again, and every one of us can help to do so.

If you still want to move out of the country after all the above advice, please keep in mind that if you live in San Diego, I can help you sell your home! [Hopefully I made you laugh!]