Last night I was watching Oprah’s show, the day after President Obama’s inauguration. The two guests I was most taken by were Jon Bon Jovi and Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. If you have never read any of Ms. Goodwin’s works I strongly urge you to read her accounts of some of our most famous Presidents. As the panel was talking they were asked about their favorite moments and each referenced a quote in the inaugural speech. I realized that even though I watched the speech I missed parts so this morning I printed the speech for review.
Reading the speech I landed on a phrase that caught my attention, “The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history…” . Can you feel the power in that phrase? The idea that you can choose a better history is an affirming concept. It puts you, the person facing a chronic or life-threatening illness in the driver seat. It promotes the idea that you must seize every moment, every decision and every experience because they are the legacy left behind when you leave this world.
In order to “choose our better history” means you must be present when walking in this world. It requires that you be in your body, connect the mind, body and spirit on a conscious level and make the connection between cause and effect. As the person in charge your decisions dictate your actions. It also means that you are responsible for your actions so make them wisely. It’s not about correcting mistakes you may feel you’ve made in the past; it’s about starting a new chapter. It’s the freedom to change the course of your biography to a healthier, more life-affirming direction.
I couldn’t have stated the concept more eloquently so I’m thankful to and for our new President. Print out the speech and see what resonates for you. Take it beyond the state of the nation and apply it to the “state of you”. What was particularly powerful for you? What struck a nerve? What will you do differently since being touched by those powerful words?
Pilgrim Pathway/Surviving Strong 