Blessed are those who pursue their life’s purpose, for they might just get where they’re going. #farsightedcourage.  If anything the past few months has taught me, it’s to lighten up a bit when thinking about some of the heavier thoughts of purpose, parenting, and leadership.

Four months ago I made the decision to run for public office.  It was my first foray into politics, both as a a candidate and in any regard.  I’ve never worked on a campaign before so I was truly green to the entire process.  I kept a journal throughout the process because I wanted to be able to look back and see what I was thinking and feeling at various points in the process.  Here are a few reflections along the way:

December 19, 2016

Today I officially declare my candidacy for my first public office ever- city council representative for South Fulton.  It’s been a dream of mine for a while now and it’s kind of surreal to see it happening.  I’m also nervous if I’m honest.  This is a big risk personally, financially, and professionally.  I’m putting myself out there and I have to be ok with the vulnerability of the public spotlight.

Jan 11, 2017

Somehow, last night’s speech by outgoing President Obama triggered something awake in me.  This campaign has been hard (and it’s barely 4 weeks in!).  Even the other day questioned, is this really all worth it?  And now I’m shouting a resounding yes to myself and anyone else who will listen.  It’s always worth it to fight for and give your life to work worth doing.

Feb 9, 2017

Yesterday I decided (again) that I’m “all in” for this campaign.  I’m leaving everything out there, win or lose.  I want to walk away knowing that I gave everything I have.  

Feb 23, 2017

Yesterday we received some life-altering news.  It’s been an emotional ride, telling the girls, navigating how to respond ourselves.  All in the midst of a campaign, a car wreck, and my recent hospitalization it’s been a tough few weeks.  Thank you God for this simple reminder: I’ll get through this.  What is coming will make sense of what is happening now.  Let God finish His work.  Let the composer complete His symphony.  The forecast is simple, good days, bad days.  But God is in all days.  He is the Lord of the famine and the feast and He uses both to accomplish His will.

March 18, 2017

2 days until the election and I still have no idea about the outcome, yet I’m still trying to keep it all together as we approach that day.  I know that God is working out a big master plan and I’m confident in His path, or at least confident in the fact that I know he has a path.  

April 19, 2017

And I am certain that God who began the good work in you, will continue his work until it is finally finished… God always completes what He starts.  Today I woke up to the new reality of a fully elected city council and now we move forward towards the business of building an excellent city government.  There’s no doubt that I’ll be involved moving forward in the work, now it’s just a matter of picking and choosing my spots.

April 22, 2017

The past few days I’ve had the distinct honor of serving as a leadership development facilitator for the incoming class of 2017 Coke Scholars.  In many ways, though I was there to lead them through their own reflections, it turned out to be a powerful experience for me as well.  I’m still processing through the emotions of the experience, but the key takeaway for me from the past few days is that it’s never too late to pivot.  I’m already planning my next move.  Engaging with this collective group of greatness reaffirmed for me the courage I needed to be fearless with my next move.  

SDW3