This is the time of year that you hear all about making predictions for the new year, setting new goals, making resolutions for an improved life.   For days we are surrounded by these thoughts, ideas, words, suggestions.

I am here to say that I have considered all of that.  My response is “I Don’t Know…”.

I don’t know what the new year will bring.

I don’t know what town I will end up living in.

I don’t know if I will find a relationship that fulfills me.

I don’t know what career path my son will go down.

I don’t know where my daughter will live after college graduation.

I don’t know what amazing new people I will meet.

I don’t know what my next blog topic will be.

I don’t know what heart ache will be visited upon me.

I don’t know if I will be consistent with my exercise routine.

I don’t know if I will be able to take any vacations this year.

I don’t know…

Now, here is the good news.  I am at peace with that! I am at a place in life where I don’t feel that I have to have so much control.   I don’t NEED to have the year planned out.  I don’t NEED to know what is around the corner.   I am finally okay with accepting lifes surprises.   I am all about being prepared, always learning and growing, but this year…go ahead…throw me the curve balls, send me the out-of-the-blue surprises, intrigue me, raise my eyebrows, bring it on!!

During the last few months we have been witnessing a fascinating political campaign. Presidential campaigns are certainly nothing new, but this campaign season has been different for me. There is something that has kept me coming back to the cable news channels, listening to radio commentaries, reading online blogs, and following social media on a regular basis.

What keeps me fascinated…is the long lines. When is the last time that we have seen so many individuals engaged in the process? With the economic climate in the state that it is in, more and more people are recognizing how much of an impact they have in being a part of the process. It is no longer just political…it is personal. In the long lines at the polls you will find a wonderful diversity of Americans. How exciting to see so many young adults participating, so many women, so many first time voters, so many, so many…You name it, we are standing in line to share our voice. We are all in.

No matter what the outcome of the election next Tuesday, we will be successful. When everyone focuses on a problem, and everyone engages in working toward a solution, you will see success. This plays itself out in all aspects of life. When you have a challenge as a family, if all of your family members focus on supporting the solution, you overcome. When you face a personal obstacle, and you bring people around you for positive support, you overcome. When you have a seemingly impossible goal at work, if each individual says “here’s how I can help”, everyone becomes the winner. When you think that you can’t give one more second towards the effort, but you give it anyway, you succeed!

I am All In. I am standing in line. Are you?