At Last...

Today's ceremony was the first inauguration that I have watched. Ever.

As for all Americans, especially for those of us who are of a minority, today was a surreal dream that I am still trying to let sink in. Just like in those moments where we are in between dream-land and the real world, where reality is suspended and the sensations of the other side hang upon us like fairy dust, the swearing-in of Barack Obama as the President of the United States today has not quite crossed over in my mind from fancy to real life. Are we living in a world where "Brown can stick around?" It is hard to believe, but the answer is:

YES WE CAN!

Aretha Franklin brought me to tears, belting out a soulful and moving "My Country, 'Tis of Thee;" Reverend Lowery (who deeply reminded me of my late grandfather, a hard-working, dedicated family man, whose parents immigrated to America from Lebanon and were looked upon as the lowest of low) brought me to tears as he delivered a moving and dear benediction, invoking people of all colors to do the right thing; and of course, Barack Obama brought me to tears as he proclaimed, "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

I wish I could have been with my children this morning, as they were in school, to emphasize to them the enormous bridge that our country has crossed. However, I am thankful that the meaning of this day resonated with them, regardless of my maternal reminders. At last, we are at a crossroads where we CAN choose our better history. We are at a place where my precocious and charming daughter, great granddaughter of many who struggled to reach this country for hope of a better life, can announce to me at breakfast, that she cannot wait to turn 35 so that she may run for president of the United States. To that statement, I could not hold back my tears, because I now realize that yes, she really can become the President of the United States, and that she can be correct in her conviction that this could become her reality.

With the words of Martin Luther King, who quoted an old spiritual in his "I Have a Dream" speech, "Free at last! free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last," I am inspired and shaken and moved that from hope, we spring forward to this new reality.

At last indeed...

Brilliant Reminder

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

- Nelson Mandela

2009 Resolutions

So I have been mulling over the prospect of New Year's resolutions.

I have been going to a gym very regularly for the last 11 years and every January, the treadmills fill up, one has to wait for the weight machines, and the showers are all taken. Of course, by February, the population of gym rats is back to normal. I think making permanent, positive changes and habits must take a longer commitment than one month. Goals and resolutions we choose to strive for must not be borne out of emotions and reactions. They should be slowly considered while in a rational state of mind and then left to simmer, for at least several weeks. Perhaps they need to be revisited from time to time so we can test their "doneness" and adjust the ingredients if necessary. Like recipes, if one isn't working for you, change it up or just toss it and investigate a new one, then find the ones that you love and hone them to perfection.

We all feel bloated and overspent on January first! I am starting to believe that no one should attempt major life changes on this date. Ever.

In light of all this, I have been slowly building a list of goals, themes, ideas, and some specific tasks that I want my 2009 to encompass.

• continue love love love for my family and friends
• stay positive
• keep hope in the forefront
• have faith that things work out
• be grateful for all of my blessings, counting them from time to time
• be purposeful and give what I can to the moment
• drink lots of water
• meditate several times a week
• more dates with my husband
• re-connect with some people I have been missing
• set concrete career goals (will definitely have to be revisited!)
• clean out one closet, drawer, or section that collects odds & ends per week (hopefully this is not too ambitious)

As I review this list, I am seeing that most of these are not very specific. That is okay. Some are themes that I would like to carry through the year. I hope I come back to this and revise it, add to it and delete parts from time to time.

I did clear the clutter from underneath my bed today. I also went through my nightstand, cleaned that out, and shelved all the books that were stacked up underneath. All of the bedroom furniture got a thorough vacuuming beneath. Check!

Adios 2008!

Starting my first post with a goodbye letter to 2008.

What a year you were, 2008, you mercurial thing! You brought us synchronicity in its highest form and at the same time, incongruently, the death of a friend and precarious health in others. Our little family was lucky enough to hold our health, jobs and a roof over our heads.

Although the cloud of financial stress has passed over all of us, I have been actively counting my blessings. You, 2008, have reminded me of what truly matters in life: health, family, friends, and the ability to put food on the table and heat my home. If nothing else, 2008 was a billboard that reminded us of the intrinsic value of these very basic needs.

In light of all that has passed this year, we are grateful for the bounty of life and the love of friends and family.

Here's to 2009: a year of new beginnings and hope!