On accepting change…
Recently “history” was made when two African-American men where the coaches in the Superbowl. It was a big deal in the media because it simply hasn’t happened before. It is something that isn’t “normal” for our society. Two black men, coaching… it was BIG news.
Well the US is now facing another challenge. It’s going to be all over the news and you should pay attention to it. The United States has always been a country of innovators and innovation but not a supporter of internal change. Two candidates in the upcoming presidential race are “different” then the norm. A women and an African-American man are running for the Democratic Candidacy.
Some “experts” have said this is a bad move for the Democratic party. They will have to fight against themselves to lose this race. The overall disapproval of George Bush and the Republican Party has been widely covered and the polls are all in favour of the Democratic Party. They should easily win.
So what’s the point? It was said recently in a southern US paper that the ONLY way that the Democrats could lose the race was by running a woman or a black candidate. Sad. What will happen next will be interesting and will be a statement of the American mind set. Rumours are that Al Gore will eventually put his name in and run for office. That would be the final nail in the Democratic coffin.
A woman, a black man and an environmental activist as the leading candidates for a presidential campaign. What should be hailed as the single greatest opportunity for the US to show the world they are ready for change, could be an election that will set back social progress in the West for the next decade. I hope that voters in the US are wiser then that. Every dynasty or empire has fallen mostly due to ignorance. Here is a chance to finally learn from history.
Here is today’s question…. read it, write it, answer it and of course share your thoughts here on the STUpendous BLOG!
Have you ever had the opportunity to make a change in your life but where afraid? What would your life look like now if you had?
Today’s picture is of Barack Obama one of the most interesting candidates in many years.
For more information on YLCC or Stu Saunders please go to www.ylcc.com or email STU at stu@ylcc.com
Have you ever had the opportunity to make a change in your life but where afraid? What would your life look like now if you had?
I want to discuss an opportunity that I DID take, and what life may have been like if i didn’t accept it.
A little over 12 years ago, My Dad was given an ultimatum at work: “leave on your own terms, or you’re leaving on ours”. He wasn’t being fired; in fact, it was quite the opposite- he was receiving a promotion, but the promotion was for a job that didn’t exist where we lived.
At that time, my fmaily had been living in my hometown for 20 years. We had roots there. My Dad’s choices weren’t easy- either he had to take his family to Orillia by the end of the next year, or risk being sent to London, North Bay, or Toronto a year later. Obviouly, the choice was orillia.
I hated him for making us move. It was the loneliest summer of my entire life…I was about 10 years old, in a new house, and everyone went to work everyday but me. Imagine 2 months, in a new place, 8 hours a day with nobody to be with. I hated that we had to move, and I felt like my life had been destroyed by my Dad’s career…my other brothers were heading off to University, so it didn’t matter- I felt like the only one affected.
Now, being 20 years old, I can recognize that the move saved my life. After I got my liscence, I made the two hour drive and returned to my hometown for a few dentist appointments. I still love the town, and the people, but I realized what opportunities I had GAINED by moving. my two bestfriends no longer live there. My neighbourhood gorup of friends all moved to different parts fo town, and have made negative choices that have threatened their lives. I would ahve enver been introduced to camp. I wouldn’t know the people I know now.
I’m incredibly lucky that my family moved. But moreover, I’m incredibly lucky that I eventually accepted the move and enjoyed my opportunities. My life would be so different if I didn’t accept the change, and step forward.
Jessome
I believe that the choices that worry us are the most worthwhile ones.
When I was still living on the farm, about 10 years ago, I watched a show called “Bug Juice”. The show was centered around a summer camp and the experiences of the campers and staff. I knew almost immediately that a dream of mine would be to work at a summer camp like that of “Bug Juice”.
Fast Forward 5 years. I’ve now completed my grade 9 year and I recieve the opportunity to work at a small religious camp sponsored by my church. How afraid I was! Here was an opportunity to take a small step toward a dream of mine. What if I screwed up? What if made a wrong choice? I worried myself for more than a week. Thankfully I chose to apply and work at that camp. Through that first experience, I’ve had the opportunity to work at both a US National Student Leadership Camp and an International Leadership Camp.
I’m so thankful for the decision that I did make. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Hmmm, two different circumstances come to mind. The first being a decision to move to Toronto, without a job and leaving behind a more comfotable life. Fortunately, things have worked out and life here in this crazy city has brought along many wonderful opportunities and fantastic memories. The second situation was another job opportunity in St. Lucia. On such a cold, winter day here in Ontario the sunny beaches of St. Lucia sound pretty amazing. Then again, life is what you make of it, wherever you are, even if it is -22C!!