Oh What a Day

Let me first start off by saying, this is a historical day that has changed the lives of so many Americans and has shone a light on the potential of this great country. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "I have a Dream" and I am living it right now!

A few things struck me today. I am watching Oprah and the entire show is devoted to the history of segregation and Martin Luther King. As I listen to the many stories of hardship and struggle, my mind began turning and thinking about how lucky I truly am. Not only was I born into a country with endless opportunities, but I am a white woman, with an education and promise. As I watch Oprah and try to grasp the stories of the days when it was blacks vs. whites, I cannot understand how people could once be so divided.

Now why I am so lucky... I was born to two teenage parents, with no college education and one a high school drop-out, who both came from very broken homes. It was written in the sand that I would become a teenage mother myself, a high school drop-out and another victim of circumstance. I wasn't. Actually, the opposite happened. I never had a child, I didn't drop out of school and I graduated from college. Then it dawned on me... that is exactly how it should have ended up! Because even though I was born into a situation that I could not change or did not ask for- there was nothing that was standing in my way, other than circumstance. There was no reason that I should have become a victim to what I could not change. I remember sometimes feeling so terrible because I didn't have nice clothes, my mom didn't drive a nice car, or whatever- the truth is, who cares.

I was never not allowed to use a bathroom because of my skin color. I was never denied riding a bus, going to school, drinking from a water fountain, that was never an issue! So now looking back- I am thankful for everything that I didn't have and all the things I did. Because I was born free and that is pretty lucky. Finally, to all the African-Americans, not just Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, but all who marched, fought, lost their lives, and were left filled with hatred, thank you. For you have taught this country more than you will ever know. You have taught me personally to fight for what you believe in and with that you can accomplish mountains. You have taught me to never let circumstance stand in your way!

The Secret

I just finished reading The Secret. By now I am sure most of you have heard about it from the one and only Oprah. I actually watched Oprah when she had the authors of The Secret on her show, how it was life changing and blah, blah, blah. Then my iPod broke, I was at the Apple store and I overheard, through the loud music and millions of people, a woman next to me talking about The Secret and how the Apple technician helping her needed to read the book or rent the DVD, because it was life changing. I listened to her for about 10 minutes as she went on and on about the book. Months went on and a friend of mine who recently returned from Spain, bought the book at an airport bookstore, to read during the flight. We were talking about a possible job for me in Grand Junction, Colorado, and she told me that I need to think positive and I will get the job. She finished the conversation by saying, "You need to read The Secret. It is life changing." What a profound statement. I mean it's one thing to come from Oprah, but to come from a friend who I know and trust, is a little different. Of course I didn't go out and get the book or even think about buying it. But about two weeks later, I went home to Tucson and sure enough, the book was sitting on the side of my mother's bed. I asked her if I could borrow the book and told her about my friend who told me to read it. I took the book home with me and finished it yesterday. I have to tell you they were right.

I see how I have been attracting things into my life that I never thought had anything to do with me. So now I am thinking and feeling different about the way things happen to me. I am aware of my feelings and thoughts, more than ever before. I am confident that I am going to get the job that fits me best. I have an interview on Wednesday with the Arizona Senate, to be a reporter/producer, for the Arizona Legislative Broadcast Group. I hear about another job in Grand Junction tomorrow or Friday. I cannot tell you how happy I am. How hard I have been working and the whole time I thought, why? Why am I not getting a job? Why doesn't anyone give me a chance? I know that I can do it! I know that I am great! I know that I have what it takes!

It was because I was keeping myself down. I am telling you read the book, The Secret. I assure you- it will have a impact on how you look at your life and how you feel about your life's situations. It did for me.
For now I am waiting to get the call offering me the job... I will let you all know when I am packing up and moving out.