I Am Living Obama's Inauguration Speech

A world of possibilities. Obama was inaugurated as the 44th US President. Three days later I turn 33. What would I want my 33rd year to be? I am living Obama's Inauguration speech.

Every day when I wake up, I will remember the challenges before me as a person. I will remember the trust bestowed upon me, for I am a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. I will remember my parents, the many strangers and friends who have held my hand and have made my journey easier. I will remember the countless women around the world who have woken up each morning to do 'what they have to do', hence affording me and others like me what I call the wonder of possibilities!

I will watch out for greed and irresponsibility, and I will make tough choices. I will use my energies for preservation, instead of destruction. And I have said NO to fear. Fear that makes me think that I cannot do it, fear that distracts me from purpose into hoarding and self-pity and protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions. I have chosen to live my 33rd year, with Obama, with hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. I have chosen to end petty grievances (I have had a few). And expediency is out of the window.

But most of all, I have, on my 33rd year, (though I still be young!) heeded the call to set aside childish things. I have chosen to reaffirm my enduring spirit, to choose a better history, to carry forward the precious gifts that have been passed on to me. For if I don't, what about my daughter and others who depend upon me? During this year, I will EARN - never, even in obscurity, taking things for granted.

AND I WILL TREASURE MY FRIENDSHIPS. I WILL REACH OUT.

On my 33rd Year!
As an African woman, I am all too aware of the problems and the pains of my people. But as Obama says, very often it is those in obscurity who move things. I will do what iI have to do. I will care for those I must care for. I believe in the chain. Someone else will do what they must do, and care for those they must care for. Our energies will meet, and the world will be a changed place.

God bless Obama and his family, and all the people of the world.