Starting Your Dreams Later In Life and Embracing the Detour

Jenee Darden speaking at Creative Mornings I know it's been a while since I've posted anything but that's because of my job. I'm working as a reporter covering Oakland and I host an arts segment on the radio where I get to interview amazing artists from around the Bay Area. Plus I'm publicizing my book  and building my speaking career!  You know what's funny? I thought this would all happen by the time I was 27-30.  Nope. That wasn't God's plan for me. I'm finally beginning to do the things I've wanted to do and I'm almost 40 years old. Some people reading this who are 40 will say 40 is still young. But some younger people reading may think 40 is nearly ancient. But I'm writing this post for those who like me, thought their career and personal dreams would come true much early in life. I'm here to tell you not to give up.  You know, death inspires life. A number of my relatives and friends have passed away, ranging in
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Are You With Her?: Hillary Clinton Makes History

Pres. Obama and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton
Source: Instagram
I hope I'm looking at the photo of the first African-American president and the future first woman president. Like her or not, she made U.S. history this week as the first woman nominee of a major political party.

Every election I think about how I was lucky to grow up in a politically divided family. On my father's side some of my relatives are liberals and some conservatives. Holiday dinners and family gatherings were always something else. But it made me be a good listener to people whose opinions I don't agree with. It made me see where the other sides are coming from. And so I don't get worked up over people who politically disagree with me. I've volunteered for campaigns. I've been to a Republican convention and had a great time.  I'm not a Trump supporter, but people have a right to support him.

This election feels like a long, dramatic Thanksgiving dinner where there's no more sweet potato pie and I'm tired of people fighting. I hate our country has become even more divided. Hatred has always been an issue, but I don't like this rise of overt hatred either.

Hillary is not perfect. I take issues with some things the Clintons have done and their resources. But Trump's xenophobia, sexism, racism and lack of experience concerns me. I've noticed some liberals and Dems say they're not excited about this election like when Pres. Obama ran. And it's because they don't fully trust Hillary. Racism, sexism and class are important issues to me. For me, I know no matter who becomes president, they're not going to end instutionalized racism, stop sexism and our rape culture or give every poor person in America opportunity. They're not. So I don't fall hard for politicians. I need to be extra hyped about a candidate to vote for them. Politicians are not the sole answer to fixing our problems. They're key, but the not the sole answer.

For me, Hillary Clinton is the best candidate. She's smart, experienced, not divisive and a strong woman. Is she perfect? No. Do I support everything she has done in her career. No. But I think she has what it takes to make a good president. This is a very important election. So whether you vote for Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump I hope you vote.

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