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When it was announced that Senator John McCain had selected Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate last week I was elated. The more I heard about her the more I liked her. She is the type of woman who holds her ground and stands up for what she believes in. She is very inspiring to me.

Of course there are those who are now coming out of the woodwork to question her experience, her politics and her education. She is not an attorney therefore she must not be suited to lead right?. If you ask me, the fact that she ISN’T in attorney is more of a positive in my book.

She has been a maverick in her own state and has stepped on many corrupt toes regardless of their party ties. I find that is admirable in so many ways. She is gutsy and sure of herself. Heck, she hunts moose and can make a mean moose stew!

While all of these things are great accomplishments, she has done something even better in my eyes. She has been a wife and mother. She has 5 children. Her son just left for Iraq to serve this great country. She has a special needs child who is the light of all of their lives I am sure. She is married to her high school sweet heart. If anyone is looking to discredit this woman they will find that her family will be hard to tear apart. They are just as strong as she is. I have a feeling she is meaner than a grizzly bear when it comes to protecting her children.

It is funny how people will discredit her and I am sure she knew she was going to face such scrutiny. How brave of her and her family to push forward with this great responsibility. People have to realize that these are Alaskans. They live under some very hostile weather conditions. Often the state is ignored unless it comes to energy concerns. Senator McCain is no fool. He knows that Governor Palin is made of sterner stuff. She is very prepared to fight the big fight.

I find her very inspiring on a personal level. As I work towards my goals each day to make my life better for my sons and I, I can identify with her no nonsense, fighting spirit. It is about time that a down to earth role model comes along that women such as myself can relate to. She hunts and will protect my right to bear arms. She is a regular gal who has a brain and that is what I like. Sure, she has more money than I do. But that is not what I am looking at. I am more concerned about her character.

Women have a problem more times than not with strong women. We have a tendancy to knock each other down. I am only going to speak from my own experiences and insights. So if the shoe fits, wear it.

I have a belief that many women are just plain jealous of each other. The word CRUEL comes to mind. There is an unspoken competitiveness that goes beyond looks and who has the better husbands, cars and clothes. Some women are envious of another woman’s inner strength and accomplishments. We have become our own worst enemies. Men don’t have to do a thing. They just sit back and watch the catfights. It is very belittling and degrading. It is about time that we stick together and become friends. If not friends then we must become partners in this world for a positive change. I am not speaking of the Obamamessiah’s change. I still am trying to figure out what he means. Once we can get past all the personal bashing of each other, will we get past the questioning of our ability to succeed based on our gender.

In my observations men can be friends and buddies for life. They have the ability to go with the flow and live and let live for the most part when it comes to each other. They usually don’t hold a grudge. Their cure for most things is a cold beer and a football game.

Women work differently. The gossip is so damning. The fact that we are capable of destroying each other and tearing one another apart is so very sad. I have met very few women who have girlfriends that they have known and been close to for their entire lives.

Many of you who work in an office that is predominately female know how stressful it can be. That is where the changes have to be made. Take the time to re-evaluate yourself, your own actions and open a positive dialogue with each other. Take the “I” out of TEAM. Become a team. That is how you will find peace at work and at home. Give it a try and you will be amazed how much happier you will be. Stop gossiping. Stop being negative about one another. Recognize those around you as individuals. Our actions sometimes directly affect the actions of those around us either positively or negatively. Be a positive role model. Mentor your female co-workers.

There are some exceptions. The women who are “down to earth” are what it is going to take to turn things around. It’s time to get down to the nitty gritty and get the job done. Governor Palin is the woman for the job.

Just remember that no matter what each of us goes through each day. No matter what troubles we may have, we too can be inspirations to someone in our lives. That is very powerful and profound.

There have been some struggles of late for me and even when I am low crawling through a day there is someone who comes along at just the right moment and tells me that I inspire THEM! How could this be? I am trying to just make it through the next hour. But we don’t see what others see when we look in the mirror. We are our own worst critics aren’t we? They must see something in me that I am missing. These people make me smile and help me focus. They in turn inspire me to continue on. I realize then that inspiration comes from pain and struggle. It also comes from positive outcomes. I am working towards the postive.

I will continue to be inspired by others and I hope to continue to inspire others myself. That is how hope is perpetuated.

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