Typically when you eat your “Recession Special” -- two hot dogs and a drink -- at Gray’s Papaya on the corner of 8^th Street and Sixth Avenue, you get to people watch on that busy corner of the West Village. But since last spring, there has been a big sign marring that entertaining view.

It reads, “YES, Senator Obama. We are ready to believe again.”

I have passed this dozens of times as the months have ticked by, but it seemed particularly stirring on pivotal Election Day 2008. I gave it some deeper thought as I enjoyed my sauerkraut-and-mustard laden hot dog and what I realized is that I am drawn to the passion emanating from that sign. The word “yes” is in red letters approximately two feet tall. The word “believe” is powerful because it suggests there has been a lack of belief for a long time. Plus, it takes courage for a business owner to declare a political position, especially in what has been a contentious presidential election climate.

As a life coach, it is my life’s work to get people to connect with their passion in a way that’s thoughtful and meaningful. I find it immensely gratifying when people express themselves passionately. It means they’re alive, participating, engaged with their world.

Perhaps that’s why, unlike so many, I’ve always found it admirable when celebrities express their political views. What a risk! They have nothing to gain and everything to lose. That tells me they feel strongly about what they’re espousing. I understand why a lot of people have the “shut up and sing” attitude, but I wholeheartedly disagree. To risk alienating at least half of your audience or clientele means somewhere at your core you feel you need to be true to who you are and what you believe. It is putting country, or the collective, first.

The concept of patriotism -- passion for country -- has been much discussed since our nation was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. What I have come to realize in the ensuing years is this -- thinking your country is perfect doesn’t make you patriotic, it makes you a wide-eyed groupie. Real love is nuanced and imperfect. That’s what makes it so satisfying, whether it’s your significant other or your country.

Our president-elect is Barack Obama, a man with the intellect and vision to take us in a fresh direction. Back in July I wrote a Game Plan column about the concept of “acting as if” as a way to prepare yourself for your desired outcome. Obama has been doing this consistently, manifesting the job of a lifetime by using this technique in textbook style -- being steady, staying on point, finding ways to let us see him as presidential.

As I wrote in that column, “acting as if” says this is what I really want. It says I have the confidence and the imagination to put myself out there and do it. And it says I don’t care what anybody else thinks because it is up to me to make this happen in my life. This is my process and it feels great.

Because my life philosophy -- the one I espouse to life coaching clients on a regular basis -- is that we manifest what happens in our lives, I consider Barack Obama’s path a well-honed vision realized. Along the way, we found ourselves engaged in discourse that exposed our views on race, gender, religion, patriotism, and class. In some cases, it has taken a toll on our family relationships and our friendships.

That’s because of the passion. This is not about specific issues, per se. It is about what we found out about ourselves as a nation and as individuals. Our group consciousness said it is time for a big change.

As Whoopi Goldberg said on The View last week, “Whoever gets in demands our allegiance. We as Americans have to come together.” John McCain echoed that sentiment in his concession speech.

This brings to mind a passage from one of the best poems on my bookshelf, the Inaugural Poem by Maya Angelou:

Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister's eyes, into
Your brother's face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
Good morning.

With passion, we’re here.

Nancy Colasurdo is a practicing life coach and freelance writer. Her Web site is www.nancola.com. Please direct all questions/comments to FOXGamePlan@gmail.com.