Post E-Day
Post-E-day should be defined… I'm over a month out from a ten-month all-encompassing municipal campaign. Being on-call 24 hours, about 4-7 days a week occupied my headspace so much, I found myself thinking and dreaming about municipal politics. I found attending city council meetings virtually as entertaining! If this says anything about me…. When I dive in, I'm all in.
My role as part of Jyoti Gondek's political career is over/closed/zipped/zippo/done.
But the effects of the experience are hanging on. Almost like a relationship that you know needs to end, but you miss all the good reasons you were together.
I miss the people. The collection of kismet souls who were driven by what a more diverse, positive, and forward-thinking government can accomplish.
I miss being engaged and part of a collective that walked the talk. I had an essential role that was integral to connecting Jyoti's message to as many people as possible.
I miss the kudos. Seriously. My ego was on fire during the campaign. Between support and approval from the campaign and the positive comments about the campaign branding… I loved it. I was also aware that too much of a good thing would be hard to wean off of after.
I miss my friend.
When she announced her decision to run for mayor in January, I was of two minds. One… thankful because Calgary would benefit from her leadership. Two… sad because the friendship we grew over the isolation of the pandemic would change.
So when I feel down and out, I focus on what I'm happy about.
I can celebrate a job well done. I kicked ass with this gig. In fact, redefining what a political campaign can look like. Jyoti and her campaign trusted my creative insights, and it paid off.
I feel hopeful again for the future of my community and city. Seeing the positive change in leadership that reflects the diversity of thought and experiences makes me feel like I belong here again. Gawd, each time I see our new mayor in the news, I'm inspired because she exemplifies everything I want in leadership. Someone who actually gives a shit and will speak up even when it will have blowback.
I can think for myself again. I learned that my impetuous transparency isn't a fit for political life. Respecting that there is a line that needs to be held, I get it, but after 40 years of including others' opinions in making choices for my life… yeah, I'm over that.
