Kamala Harris was in the year below me at school...#23

And why I’m not running for POTUS 😉

Kamala Harris.¹ Quite possibly the most famous woman on the planet right now.

Like her, or chose not to.  Agree her politics, or disagree.  This is an epic moment in history. 

Just eight months younger than me, she is putting herself forward to be the first female President of the USA (POTUS) whilst I’m pottering around, road testing new ideas, taking time off and exploring new ways of being.

Juxtapositions

For me the juxtaposition is staggering. 

I didn’t particularly relate to Joe Biden’s age, other than to think surely, however ‘fit’ a person is, they are not as physically or mentally able at 80 as they were in their 50s, 60s or 70s.  As George Clooney said “…the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time”.²

And put aside the venom and abuse Kamala is likely to receive from opposing groups and individuals, this is a woman who is thinking and living the opposite of ‘retirement’.  The opposite of taking life easier.  Of having ‘me’ time.  Of travelling (for fun).  Of little responsibility.  Of freedom. And of not having to manage other people.

Where does she find her energy and drive? 

How did she navigate to this historic position?

I know I could do a deeper dive than Wiki into her background and research her every move but I have no doubt of her key attributes; hard work, belief, a desire to serve and an impervious skin. 

To say she is an example to us all, however we identify, the colour of our skin, the level of our wealth or our political beliefs is an understatement. 

Humans not politics

My observations have nothing to do with her politics or odds of becoming the next POTUS.

This is merely me, a woman of 60, observing another woman who will be 60 at the time of the election, saluting her and wondering, what I can learn from her story.  Is it:

• Her sense of purpose? Leading to her clarity of thought, belief and striving to make a difference.

• Her choice to serve? Demonstrating her humanity through democracy, compassion and self-determination for all.

• Her management of her physical and mental health? Giving her resilience, confidence and grit.

• Or her courage and bravery?  Allowing her to negotiate with power and seek conciliation.

The truth is, Kamala may be at the top of the global tree, yet in the corner of the world I inhabit, I see women I know exhibiting these qualities in their own domain on a daily basis.  In financial services, in law, in property, in academia, in science, in our public services, in medicine, in research, in technology, in their family.  I could go on.

These are complex and intense times.  They are also times of possibility and change.   Kamala Harris represents possibility and change, not just for women but for us all. 

I applaud and wish her well.

Until next time my friends,

Ruth

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1. Image: Courtesy of Sky News

2. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy68gxw32zno