Without getting political, I’d like to talk about yesterday’s election.

On the surface, I may appear partisan, but what I really am is an evangelist for people joining together for the betterment of humanity.

To the uber-capitalists, I sound naive. But to those who voted in this election based on something other than themselves, I’m part of America’s new wave. What a fabulous responsibility we have signed up for.

People are shifting—in their views, tolerances, leanings and fundamentals. That’s why Barack Obama was re-elected. This election was a mandate against outmoded, timeworn dogmas. We are no longer the country of scholarly gray-haired white men who feel it’s their destiny to lead. Instead, we are white, black, Hispanic, Euro, Asian, Islanders, male, female, gay, lesbian, multi-faith, concerned, health-conscious, responsible, socially aware, accountable and on the path to enlightenment. The world is shifting and while yes, the economy is a blasphemy and is headed for more drama, people voted for each other rather than just their own 401k’s.

Today I am more proud of our country than ever before, and am filled with gratitude that I get to live here. What this mandate has proved is that people are more afraid of losing themselves than they are of losing money.

I particularly love Howard Fineman’s article in today’s Huffington Post.  “President Barack Obama,” he said, “did not just win reelection tonight. His victory signaled the irreversible triumph of a new, 21st-century America: multiracial, multi-ethnic, global in outlook and moving beyond centuries of racial, sexual, marital and religious tradition.”

What an exciting time to be alive. To see people merge together to dissolve barriers and promote tolerance and acceptance is really a beautiful thing. This, to me, is the ultimate expression of partnership. As Finerman says, “. . . [Obama’s] victory is something more: a sense that we are all in this together as a society, no matter who we are or how we live our lives.”

I can only hope that the Republican Party shifts with us and throws open the gridlocked gates. Beliefs are terribly hard to change and I feel compassion for them. I know how it is to believe fully in something and then have it taken from you. I also know that loss and pain lead to growth, and that the light that follows is not just illuminating but safe, warm and filled with promise.

I am living proof of this. Thank you America.