Principle #3 – Discover What Juices You, and Pursue It with Passion
What a fantastic week! We have a new president and vice-president. What I admire the most about them is the passion they have for living their life’s purpose. They knew they wanted to make a difference in the world, and they have served people their whole lives.
Here is just one example of their passion and compassion:
On Tuesday evening, before our president and vice-president were sworn into office, they participated in a national memorial ceremony for Americans who have lost their lives to the global pandemic. There was a National Covid-19 Memorial Service to remember the lives that were cut too short. The tribute was sad and beautiful. Buildings and structures all over the country were lit, and church bells were rung. Every day we mourn the loss of 400,000 beautiful lives, and there will be more losses to come.
The difference between President Biden and the last president is remarkable. Last year there was no mention of sorrow for the loss of our fellow Americans. And there was no acknowledgment of the suffering of their families. Downplaying the effects of this pandemic has been so harmful to this nation. And the saddest thing is, it didn’t have to be this way. This was an epic failure of Trump and his administration.
The inauguration ceremony of President Biden and Vice-president Harris was so inspiring. I appreciated the extra measures of safety and health concerns that were taken to ensure our new president, vice-president, and lawmakers were protected. The celebration was different than years past. There’s excitement when millions of people can attend an inauguration, but this one felt more intimate and less chaotic.
“Today, on this January day, my whole soul is in this. Bringing America together, uniting our people, uniting our nation. And I ask every American to join me in this cause.”
– President Joe R. Biden, inauguration speech
I was so relieved at 12:01 p.m. when we finally had a new president and vice-president! Oh, happy day! President Biden’s inauguration speech was filled with love, hope, and unity. He asked us to join the cause of coming together in unity. And to treat each other with respect and dignity. It’s been a long time since we heard encouraging words spoken by our president. Positive changes are happening for us, and every day will get brighter and brighter.
President Biden and Vice-president Harris bring the hope of finally getting this pandemic under control. They are re-enforcing the health guidelines, having a vaccination plan, and funding an enormous effort to vaccinate the American people. And this, my family and friends is how we will move forward with the positive leadership of these two caring people we voted into office!
President Biden has promised to be honest with the American people. We may not like what he has to tell us, but he will still tell us the truth. And, to me, when there is truth, there can be trust! Just think of where our country would be today if we understood how bad the pandemic would get and if Trump had listened to the science about wearing face masks. What a dark place our country has been in for a while! But things are changing!
And if the inauguration wasn’t enough, the nation was invited to an inauguration concert, Celebrating America. It was fantastic! It celebrated all of us, the American people, and all the roles we have in making our nation great. Another thing I admire about our new administration is how serious they are about their oath of office. Have you noticed that every speech and celebration is all about us, the American people? Totally amazing!
The president and vice-president made an appearance at the concert and then watched the concert with their families. There were many uplifting songs by great artists, but the one that made the biggest impact for me was Better Days by Ant Clemons and Justin Timberlake. There are better days to come! The evening finished with the largest display of fireworks I’ve ever seen. It was a great ending to the best day ever!
“In many ways, this moment embodies our character as a nation. It demonstrates who we are, even in dark times. We, not only dream, we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be.”
– Vice-president Kamala Harris, “Celebrating America” concert
There are many challenges for the new administration and the American people. It will take us all to help unify our country, and it will take time. I know we can do it!
I’m inspired to live my purpose with as much passion as our new president and vice-president. I will do my part by treating everyone with dignity and respect and also with empathy and compassion. Let’s join together and listen to each other and help when we can. We will succeed when we all do our part. Let’s spread the love!
Freedom is possible!
Love,
Deb