January 19th Power, Passion, a President
cc image courtesy of flickr.com/photos/happeningfish
“And yet, as I stand here tonight, what gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the spaces in between. It is you – Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there. It is the same thing that gave me hope from the day we began this campaign for the presidency nearly two years ago; a belief that if we could just recognize ourselves in one another and bring everyone together – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; Latino, Asian, and Native American; black and white, gay and straight, disabled and not – then not only would we restore hope and opportunity in places that yearned for both, but maybe, just maybe, we might perfect our union in the process.This is what I believed, but you made this belief real. You proved once more that people who love this country can change it. And as I prepare to assume the presidency, yours are the voices I will take with me every day I walk into that Oval Office – the voices of men and women who have different stories but hold common hopes; who ask only for what was promised us as Americans – that we might make of our lives what we will and see our children climb higher than we did.” – President-elect Barack Obama speech excerpt from the Lincoln Memorial, Jan 18.
A remarkable thing is the power of one person to seemingly single handedly change the course of time. It is never, of course, only one person.
We often fixate on the face of the spokesperson but the difference between a true leader and an egomaniac is the authentic call to action – “This Inauguration is not about me, this is about all of us ...”
Today, my heart is piled high with gratitude for these things.
- My personal power to make a positive change in this world, however so small.
- For the gift of passion, of which I got a double dose.
- For a President that, whatever your beliefs, has energized this country with hope and is not afraid to look everyone in the eye and challenge us to go beyond our own personal boundaries and serve others.
For what are you thankful?
Three Thanks A Week 
This snowy Monday morning I am grateful for:
1) The gentle silence that settles on the world under even a small blanket of snow.
2) The inspiration to take chances with msyelf and feel beautiful doing it.
3) A day off that is earned by working hard to achieve it.
Noe
January 19, 2009 at 9:32 am
I am grateful for:
1. A PRESIDENT I CAN BELIEVE IN and the people who make up this great country whether we share the same political beliefs or not.
2. Tomorrow, which will be the “end of an err” (IMVHO).
3. All of those who came before us (particularly MLK) and made it possible for us to now be part of a change that is real and lasting.
Sera Evans
January 19, 2009 at 9:44 am
Imagination: Yes, in worlds of fantasy, but in our real world, too.
Innovation: Universe knows that we need it to move out of the valley we’re in.
Inclusion: No one has a corner on imagination and innovation. We need each other.
Carter Liveoak
January 19, 2009 at 9:48 am
This week I am reminded to be grateful for
1) Living in a country where the exchange of power is peaceful
2) Health insurance so I can take care of myself and my family
3) My love who inspires me to believe in myself
Chestnut Rau
January 19, 2009 at 9:56 am
1. the pieces of paper I wrote random ideas down on, when I find them again
2. the many pics I have taken that remind of good times when I’m down
3. the power of caffeine
Sally
January 19, 2009 at 9:57 am
Today I am thankful for:
1) Optimism and the promise for a more just, equitable and caring society that is tempered by patience. One of my all-time favorite poems: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15609
2) A patient and loving family.
3) Finishing the project from hell.
charlanna
January 19, 2009 at 10:27 am
I am thankful for….
1. The knowledge that this too shall pass
2. A job that forces me out of bed and makes me be a part of the world
3. Friends who love me in spite of my flaws 🙂
Joone Jatho
January 19, 2009 at 10:35 am
1. The pill that makes me larger.
2. The pill that makes me small.
3. The pills that Mother gives me. (They actually do something, but I’m not sharing them for free. How much ya got?)
Crap Mariner
January 19, 2009 at 11:14 am
1. A new president, proof that hope can become a reality.
2. Not much but many hopes, see 1
3. Friends. Real Friends. Many friends. I am blessed.
Radio
January 19, 2009 at 11:31 am
1. today, i am grateful that Grace has enough grace to poke us all into remembering our gratitude…
2. today, i am grateful to feel inspired by our political process and imagine that i, too, might find my own personal power
3. today, i am grateful for the wind….
Tittertat Semyorka
January 19, 2009 at 11:49 am
1. A country in which change can come, strong differences can be discussed, and power is handed off with a measure of dignity and grace.
2. A lover who has the strength and wisdom to tell me when I am wrong.
3. Trees coated with wisps of white, and air cold enough to bring tears to your eyes and freeze them on your face… Because without the cold of winter, the warmth of spring somehow means less.
zhaewry
January 19, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I am thankful for:
1. To get up early listening to the voice of the city before anyone else
2. Energy from my collegues helping me run an endless row of meetings
3. To be eager to be here
Hute
January 19, 2009 at 3:46 pm