Peace of Mind

Countdown to election – 107 days

It’s been just over a year since I decided I would run in the election. It was at this time last year I had a long discussion with my dad over some archery in Wii Sports Resort about being a candidate. He was very supportive as was my mom. I didn’t know what position I was going to run for at the time – it took me until November to decide on that. Since then, the platform has changed dramatically, the number of supporters has exploded and I’ve begun to explore election costs. I’ve come a long way from my origins in politics back in 2009.

During this July, I was really stressed about the election. While I had secured endorsements, I still had a lot more to figure out. Eventually, I looked for help from political superiors and they’ve been excellent in calming my fears. I now have a date for my public announcement, and my list of things to do until voting day is shrinking day by day. Most of what’s remaining can be accomplished in an afternoon. The campaign has really come together as of late. It blows me away some times.

It is because of this improved position in the pre-campaign period, that I feel more confident about my chances come election day. That’s not to say that I’m overconfident about my chances of victory. There is a constant cycle of confidence and a lack thereof as each week passes. It doesn’t help either when I talk to some friends of mine (not all mind you) about my future plans and they give me the look of “Grant, you’re doomed to failure.” They disguise their fears by telling me I need a back-up plan. It’s really what I need to hear as I begin arguably the most difficult thing yet in my life. I’ll be honest – I don’t have a back-up plan. Regardless of my chances and regardless of what some teachers, friends and political colleagues think about my prospects, I am running in this election. I feel a moral obligation to fight for a society built on equality and social justice, and nothing will stop me from doing that.

In either sense, with a few more bumps to go through on this road, we will soon be ready to hit the campaign trail. Let the good times roll.