The United States of America has elected a new President, Barack Hussein Obama.
Sweat City is not a political blog and it does not intend to become one, but I will admit that as I saw the visual of the new First Family walk out onto the stage last night, a tear slid down my cheek. Because whatever our political views may be, and wherever in the world you are reading this post, to me this represents a moment of limitless possibility.
Yes, for the world. But also for each and everyone of us in our own lives 
A junior senator with limited experience; a black man, a man of modest origin, the son of a Muslim, just became the new President of the USA. Obama, and those around him had what may have seemed to many like an impossible dream. I am sure that people laughed, they rolled their eyes, or just dismissed him. But he believed in what he was capable of and just as importantly he surrounded himself with people that believed in him and who supported him every step of the way.
What the election last night illustrates for me is that no dream is too big; the goals and hopes and dreams that we all have for ourselves can be achieved IF we choose to believe in ourselves and our capabilities and self-worth. It doesn’t mean that if we just decide we want our own successful company, or to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; to have an album in the Top 40, become a pilot, or get healthier and stronger when we feel powerless over our body and food choices: that it just happens. President Obama didn’t just snap his fingers and get elected. He had a dream, a goal, and just like we all must; he and his advisors had to break the BIG Goal down into little goals. And every little goal that was achieved took them a step closer to the White House. And committed step by committed step; the journey was made.
Your BIG Goal, your dream: What is one small step that you could take TODAY that will take you just a tiny bit closer to where your heart wants to be? Is it to email your ex-colleague who now runs their own company and ask them how they got started? Is it to take the money you were going to spend on new jeans and sign up for singing lessons instead? Is it to commit to going to the gym tonight?
It may even be to take 30 minutes tonight and brainstorm your craziest, biggest dreams. Don’t limit yourself, go BIG, but try to focus on what makes your heart sing: on what you would do even if it didn’t pay you money. Because I firmly believe that if can find your passion and are prepared to work your ass off to accomplish that passion, then the money will follow
And finally: the work of living a healthy, fulfilling, loving life is never done. When the goal is accomplished, the next one is there waiting. Barack Obama did it! He accomplished his dream of becoming the first black President in HISTORY. Guess what? Now his goal has to be to lead the USA well, to work tirelessly to bring it back to a state of power and positivity and strength. The work isn’t over; the goal is just different.
When we have lost the weight, or have met the person we want to spend our life with it might seem as though the work is over, but in truth the goal is then to maintain that healthy, sexy body by eating clean, by working out. The goal is to try every day to be the best girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife possible, to be honest and open and loving even when you’re exhausted and they’re driving you crazy!
But it can be done. We can all be who ever we choose to be, if we are prepared to do the work and believe in ourselves and just take that next right step every day.
Yes We Can
