Here we are. Is it really here?

We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already; we have the power to imagine better. ~J.K. Rowling

You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. ~Oprah

Friend, how on earth do we talk about a day that we’ve spent four full years waiting for?

That day we prayed for, deep in the dark hours four years ago – and in the dark hours ever since.

That day is today.

That moment is now.

We are all anxious, nervous, excited, scared as he**. That’s expected. The stakes are so high. The highest I’ve seen in my life. The highest I hope to ever see again.

No doubt today, and for many days before this, you’ve been reflecting on everything you’ve gone through. On everything people around you have gone through. And on everything people you don’t know have gone through.

And maybe you’ve reflected a little on what tomorrow will look like, and tomorrow’s tomorrow, and maybe a little on how we move forward – regardless of the outcome.

Four years ago many of us were at sea. Lost, confused, bewildered, angry. Staring at the rubble that was left after our perfectly curated vision of America was crushed.

In the coming days, we’ll probably feel lost, confused, bewildered and angry again.

But I hope you feel one more emotion, too: pride.

You made something beautiful out of rubble. That’s not easy to do. It takes determination, stamina, strong hands and an even stronger heart. I am ever amazed at the community of doers (you are part of that community) that emerged when the bottom fell out.

I have been honored to speak with you, week after week. I’ve been even more honored to hear from you, to get a little glimpse of what’s going on in the corners of the country that you call home. I’m humbled to have you return each week, and hope you’ll continue.

In case you wondered, I will be back next week. And every week thereafter, for as far as my eyes can see. There is far too much work to do, and far too great of a community to be part of, for me to step away.

And, frankly, I’d miss you too much.

You’re too busy today, and will be too busy this week, for me to hand off another four actions for you. So this is a rare week when I won’t be giving you an official list of things to do.

What I will tell you to do, is to breathe. To take it easy on yourself and your friends and neighbors. To hold your head high because you’ve been part of the change. And to remain steadfast that – no matter what the outcome is – democracy will prevail.

Individually we sparkle. Together, we light the way.

Thank you for being the light for so many.

Onward, upward, and in solidarity,

Michele