Comments on: Five Key Lessons from Barack and Hillary

By: Michele Mas Martin

Michele Mas Martin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:23:04 +0000

Hi Belinda… I don’t know you personally but I attended grade school with your husband and found the link to your article through his Facebook page. I have been browsing your writings here and I have to tell you that you have a most beautiful command of the English language. Your writings are thoughtful, articulate, relevant and uplifting in a real world context. At the same time, your words do not come across as pushy or trying to tell me how i should think. Aside from that, anyone who uses the word “uber” is gold in my book.
That said, it is “uber” cool that you had the opportunity to meet Obama and Clinton. I actually never voted until this election. Initially I was a die-hard Clinton supporter and was disappointed when she withdrew from the race. Shortly thereafter I saw an interview with Michelle Obama and then the Obama’s together and knew that “Team Obama” could handle the oval office.
The best way (IMO) to lead is by example. I feel that in terms of family, charity, education, and respect for your spouse and the human race in general – the Obama’s are the example to follow.

Many thanks for publishing your work for the rest of us to assimilate into our lives as appropriate and/or just to get us thinking. I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you and see Patrick again sometime in the near future.

Kind Regards,
Michele (Mas) Martin

By: The Conscious Life

The Conscious Life — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:36:35 +0000

The point on thick skin reminds me of a favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt:

“Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you’ll be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”

Follow your heart and do what is necessary to achieve the success you’ve set your mind on.

Thanks for 5 timeless lessons you’ve highlighted in your post, Belinda.

By: LPC

LPC — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:49:52 +0000

Of all those, the one I had most trouble with was developing a thick skin. Finally, in my 5th decade, it’s gotten a little better. But it isn’t easy and it’s always good to be reminded.

By: Oscar - freestyle mind

Oscar - freestyle mind — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:24:35 +0000

Hey Belinda, I really like your writing style. I truly believe in point one. I read a book about Obama and he did a lot prior to becoming president, I also was in the US while he won the elections and I saw a lot of people going out partying in the streets. I’ve never seen anything like that here in Italy.

By: Belinda Munoz

Belinda Munoz — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:47:16 +0000

@Patty, you’re right in pointing out that the financial concern is a real barrier for many. I remember a story Obama tells about attending the Democratic convention not too long ago and on the same day, he makes a purchase, something small, and his credit card is denied. He was broke. Little did he know, just a few years later, he was to be the formal candidate at another Democratic convention. I think it’s tough for people to believe, or maybe they’re impatient, that they can make the contribution that they want to make through gradual steps. That they don’t need to make majorly radical changes in their lives. Although, sometimes, that just might be what’s called for.

@Tristan, nice to see you here! It’s true. A lot of the limitations we believe to exist are self-imposed. And maybe because we’re more comfortable believing that some things aren’t for us, rather than anything can be for us.

@Ben, yes, it’s great fun but also quite humbling. Yes, serving a larger purpose is very grounding — it keeps you from feeling like you’re just floating around out there on your own.

@Malo, something tells me you’re already a good leader.

By: Malo

Malo — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:55:31 +0000

Great post Belinda, and nice pics!

Those five points you mentioned are characteristic of good leaders, political or not. I’ve met a few in my working experience, and I can’t help but admire and respect them. Don’t we always remember these people especially if they have mentored us in some way. I’m not anywhere close to being in the same league, bu I would wanna be. I guess that would be my grand vision.

By: Ben Leon Guerrero

Ben Leon Guerrero — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:10:05 +0000

I did not know this is type of work you are doing Belinda, I mean I knew it was involved in the political field but not so directly. What a thrilling experience it must be. This is a good reminder post for anyone, lessons we can take from the country’s leaders, even if we are but humble working people and will never be President or the Secretary of the State. I for one believe that hard work still counts with every fiber of my being and I also like the one about serving a larger purpose, which is central to my people’s way of life. Thank you again for big ideas that we can apply to little every day moments.

By: Tristan Lee

Tristan Lee — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:02:50 +0000

Hey Belinda, great post here!

I can’t believe you actually met President Obama – well, at least he wasn’t that big of a deal when you did meet him, but still counts.

But it just goes to show that anybody can be anything in this world (despite funny names!). If we have a vision, chase after it and don’t let anybody put us down. You never know what impossible things will happen and come true in the future.

Thanks for reminding us of these principles here.

By: Patty - Why Not Start Now?

Patty - Why Not Start Now? — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:09:25 +0000

Hi Belinda – How cool are those picture of you with Barack and Hillary?! I love everything you’ve written here, and what stands out is the part about your life and work being for a larger purpose than yourself. I work with so many people who feel their work doesn’t make the kind of contribution they’re yearning for. This seems to be a human need, to move more towards collectivity, especially evident when we get past that halfway point in life. But it’s so hard for people to believe that they will be okay if they do this, especially financially. So Obama is a fantastic role model of what one can accomplish in spite of the odds. Personally, I do want my life and work to have a larger purpose and I’ve been on that road a long time. But I still do have to stay conscious of continuing to articulate and work towards my larger vision.

By: Belinda Munoz

Belinda Munoz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:11:50 +0000

Fr Michael, that’s a great quote from Dr. King, though I sense faith is something that’s all too often in short supply…

Ha! Please know that, though I may seem like an uber-democrat, I’m nowhere near as closed-minded as one might be tempted to believe about me. I’d really like to be more post-partisan than anything. Anything you have to add in your comments will always be welcome even if it’s about extolling Reagan’s merits I believe we all have something worthwhile to add to the proverbial table regardless of the labels with which we identify.