After a long primary season, Barack Obama has finally effectively clinched the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States. After thanking the state of Minnesota, his family, the volunteers, campaign staff and manager, the candidate said the words many have longed to hear for months:
"Tonight we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another -- a journey that will bring a new and better day to America. Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States."
Change is the only constant. As JFK (to whom Obama has often been compared) said, "It's the law of life." Regardless of people's political views, Obama has done some good in terms of modifying beliefs about change. And, since change is what we're all about at First30Days, it's exciting to see and hear people talking about change in positive terms. Obama has taken a word that captures the heartbeat of the current culture and made it something people look forward to rather than fear. He has made change a good word. Change is something people want, something they feel they can have, and something they are willing to take a stand for.
Most people I meet hate change. They resist it, believing it is too hard. Thanks to Obama, we now have more positive connotations to that word. I hope they translate to our own personal changes as well -- change isn't just for politics. Change can be a powerful and positive force in jobs, finance, relationships and personal growth.
The change we must believe in first and foremost is within OURSELVES. You can change! It's never too late, and you are never too young, too old or too anything to move in a new direction with your life. Relying on someone else -- on Obama, or your boss, or your lover to create change is not a place you can rest in. Remember:
Countries don't change, people change.
Businesses don't change, people change.
Our world doesn't just change, we all change.
Regardless of what happens this fall in the general election, you can instigate change in your own life. Believe it, visualize it, speak it out, embrace it! Become a change optimist -- you'll be amazed at the results!