I watched the results in New York City, with my boyfriend, not outside, but in his apartment (located in the West Village). Although I was indoors only in the company of one other person, I still got chills watching all the people in Times Square on TV looking like it was New Year's Eve, even before it was announced Obama won. All those people in Grant Park were amazing too. Then, shortly after 11pm they said it, Obama was the president-elect, and I heard cheers outside from the street, which continued on and off throughout the night. Part of me wanted to go out to a bar to get a drink and be amongst "the people" to celebrate. But I was too tired, it was a long 21 months. So instead, I passed out on the couch watching CNN, along with my boyfriend who passed out earlier than me. I woke him up to come into bed, and we fell back to sleep knowing that all was right with the world once again.

As exciting events go, election night 2008 pretty much blew the needle off the Wow-O-Meter. While everyone's perceptions of the day emanate from a deeply personal perspective, it seemed apparent that the promise of change resonated fiercely with millions of Americans

I could not stop looking - and marveling -- at the faces in the crowds. From the west coast to Manhattan to Grant Park in Chicago, masses of people with eyes shining brightly watched with rapt attention as the voting results were announced state by state. The silhouettes, the skin, the age, the gender changed from face to face, but the same glow of hopeful anticipation brought kinship to strangers

Now as we bask in the radiance of that night, an opportunity has been given to us. The enormous challenges at hand for the new administration cannot be resolved solely by President-elect Obama and his staff. The ground swell of support must rise up and participate in creating a brighter America.

Not everyone can become a public servant or join the Peace Corps. Few of us will sign up with Teach for America or take a government job. But you can help your disabled neighbor rake his leaves. Or volunteer your time at a nursing home. You can mentor an inner city kid. Or cook dinner for a homeless shelter. Small acts of kindness are those first steps that create a strong community; and strong communities will mend a broken nation.

I think I speak mostly for myself when I say the first step is letting go of the anger and frustration that's been felt so deeply during the past eight years. As I lay in bed election night, I realized that the promise of a better future would not shine so brightly had the recent times not been so bleak.

Is it possible that we owe "W" a thank you? Was the darkness that arose around him the catalyst that thrust a historically reluctant country to embrace an African American leader? Was it overwhelming despair that opened our hearts allowing us to act on the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. and judge a man based on "the content of his character and not the color of his skin"?

Let's begin our practice of giving by sending grace and goodwill to the President-elect. Light a candle, say a prayer, hold a good thought, surround him in light - whatever your style or manner, put your positive energy into manifesting a future of peace and prosperity.

"Yes we can" should be our on-going mantra, a reminder of all that is possible.

prattlefromtheflatlands dot blogspot dot com

It truly is a wondrous time to be alive. I still can't believe the last week actually happened.

this was the most sentimental cliche thing i've ever read. u can do better jesse, i am a fan, not a hater. come join the opposition, the dark side is much more fun