Hope and Responsibility

Photo Credit: NY Times

In honor of the inauguration today of the 44th President of the United States, I decided to make up two lists. The first is things that I am hopeful about. With the economy the way it is, I think it's important to remember all we have in our lives to be excited about. The second list touches on the theme of Obama's inauguration address; responsibility. Our hopes and dreams can never become reality unless we take responsibility for realizing them. I've felt this way for awhile, but it can never hurt to remind myself of this.

What I am hopeful about:

1. My oldest will be graduating elementary school and entering middle school, and I think he will do great.

2. Valentines Day will be here soon, and it always puts me in a good mood to see my kids swapping Valentines Day cards and the bouquet of flowers from my husband, whose support I am grateful to have.

3. I think that as hard as the economy is, people are going to find out that they are more creative and capable than they once thought. Already more people are crafting instead of buying, and you hear of more people gardening to avoid rising food prices. Americans are smart and full of ingenuity. I am hopeful we will get through this, and we will come out stronger and more resourceful in the end.

What I will be responsible for:

1. Making sure I carve out time every evening to help my boys for their homework, and every weekend for trips to museums and other activities to help them grow.

2. Reminding myself what the really important things in life are, and never taking them for granted. I remember my mom would always tell me, "think of how you are like after something really good happens to you...that positive energy will make other people want to be around you."

3. Giving back more. My father who is 78 recently organized a food drive in his neighborhood to help out people really hurting these days. As he puts it, "it wasn't that hard." We can all do something, and he reminded me that I could be doing more.