Unbeknownst to no one in existence, our country is on the doorstep of an election. Though Abraham Lincoln, FDR, and George W. Bush could all be categorized as monumental based on the actions that unfolded during their presidencies…I get the feeling that this one is of the utmost importance, as well (so go Vote!-shameless plug…). Some have called this “the most crucial election in our nation’s history.”
Regardless of the winner, there will be some pretty upset individuals, come the morning of November 4th. It’s no secret that our nation has increased in polarity as the two major political parties find themselves at odds more often than not. With this, has come increasingly personal attacks, countless ‘dirt-digging,’ and an unprecedented amount of disdain for either the GOP or DFL. We are currently in a (largely) global shutdown and this year has been one for the history books. The direction that each candidate would like to pursue is about as opposite as it comes…So, yeah. You could say that this is a pretty big deal.
But, at the end of the day, is it our place to be and stay upset? Sure, disappointment is one thing. And honestly, concern for the world as we know it, can come into the picture. But, if you placed your vote, what is there left for you to do? Maybe a better way to ask it is, “What is your next step?” How do you cope?
I’m a MN Vikings fan. Anyone who knows me, knows I bleed purple. Currently, however, I prefer to call myself a “recovering diehard.” I used to get REALLY mad when the Vikes lost. It was bad. I still need a weight room close by in case I need to unleash after watching. (And given the current 1-5 record, my usual off-days have become obsolete ha). But…at the end of the day, what does the Vikings winning/losing have to do with my life? I am in control of my attitude and how I handle a jubilant victory, or the more common 1-pt loss (yet again…). The answer is: IT DOESN’T.
- This election is far more important than any football game. I get that. And there are some policies that could be instated that could alter our current reality. Yet, after our vote is placed, it is out of our hands.
That brings us back to the original prompt, of our role, post-election-‘What do we do?:’ (Unless you feel inclined to pursue public office) We move on. We control what is directly in our control.
Many of you are parents. Though, this election is most immediate, what will our next generation of leaders look like unless you prepare them? And personally? If I desire our society to be full of men/women of integrity, character, and conviction; it sure as heck better start with me. Then that can be passed on, more infectiously than COVID-19, to my spouse, to my classmates, to my work colleagues, to my gym, etc.
Ghandi is attributed for once famously saying, “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Whether it was him or not is irrelevant. What matters is truthfully what YOU do with your life.
Getting back to football, I played QB in high school. One of my least favorite times in the week was Sunday mornings. Not because I didn’t love my church, but because every single old man in the congregation thought that it was their role to tell me all of the open receivers I had missed, or the poor clock management that I had, or what “really would’ve helped the team most was…”. Whether you agree with how President Trump has dealt with COVID-19 or not, I sure as heck don’t envy politicians this year. The Catch-22 of allowing a unique and destructive virus roam free or shutting down an economy that you have worked so hard to build up, but for the betterment of mankind? Yeesh. Yeah, I’ll stick with chiropractic student and CA, thank you very much. Don’t armchair quarterback.
Don’t mishear me, do your part: be involved, stay connected and informed from reliable sources, and please, please vote! But at the end of the day, take control of the controllable in your life, exercise extreme ownership, and let the chips fall where they may.
Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Until next time,
– Brock Baumgarn, CA, Nutrition Consultant, Health 1st Chiropractic