Hope helps

I notice a general sense of pessimism and resignation about the upcoming election. So many of my friends seem convinced that things will not go their way.

Honestly, it frustrates the hell out of me.

First off, this election is a dead heat. In fact, it is historically close, maybe the closest polling we will ever experience in our lifetimes. It has not in any way been decided. Anyone who tells you otherwise is just wrong.

Second, it seems like a fairly obvious defense mechanism. If we don't allow ourselves any hope, then we can't be disappointed, right?

Lastly, right or wrong, I also perceive an arrogance to this line of thought. People taking this position seem to believe they are the ones being objective and realistic. They seem to look down their nose at those of us so naive as to hope that something good might happen. And yet, they bend over backward to find reasons to be cynical.

Here's my truth: Unlike cynicism, hope can actually can help.

Yes, there are times when hope is just its own defense mechanism, protecting us from accepting and grieving an inevitable loss. But we are not there yet. Let me repeat: This election is very close and has not yet been decided.

Conviction that your side will certainly lose does not help. Conviction that your side will certainly win does not help. Both are closed positions that offer no reason for action.

No, the energy we need right now is simply the belief that we can win, that this story has not been fully written, that what we do over these next few days can make a difference, even if in just some small way.

So how will you show up? What will you choose to believe in these last few days?