A special night

What is our need for "firsts"? No matter what way the election would have gone last night there would be several firsts. As it turned out the greatest first was Barack Obama's election -- now we can get on with being a nation that reflects and honors our diversity in so many ways. I have so much hope this morning.

As President-Elect Obama's first shapes our nation, I got to thinking about how being a "first" shapes my life. I am a first, and only, child. I was a first grandchild. I was the first in my family to marry and have a child so young. I was the first to divorce my first husband. I still am the only to be a single mother. All of these firsts have had a huge effect on who I am. For many of them, the expectations of others have been very high. For the rest, my expectations of myself have been even higher. I regret I did not generally display the equanimity of Sen. Obama.

For much of my life being the first also translated into being #1, winning, being the best in the field. How delightful to be at a place in life where that is no longer paramount. Doing my best AND enjoying the journey are the criteria. Mary Lou Johns, the Creativity Coach, talks about the difference between "either/or" and "both/and". Becoming a Silver Vixen has taught me how wonderful living "both/and" is! Now back to everyday life, less mail, no robocalls -- whatever did we talk about???