Mine is a pretty cynical generation. Most of us in our 30s have spent the majority of our lives in a recession, in a war over oil, facing climate change, and enduring political parties that fail to inspire much less to lead us to a better tomorrow. We’ve lacked hope that things will get better, that people are good and decent, and that we can somehow change our situation.

Today, we have hope. Some of us didn’t dare to expect it, or even think it could happen for fear of jinxing the possibility. Could we really elect a president who inspired us, who made us believe to our very bones that we can change, we will change, we will do better? I’ve been a cautious optimist this last year, needed to believe in hope but not wanting to have my worst fears confirmed.

I don’t pretend that Obama will solve all our problems and magically make everything better. We’re in a tough spot as a country, as a member of the global community, and as a species on this planet. It’s going to be a lot of work, and sometimes I’m not going to like what happens or the decisions made or actions taken. Sometimes I’m going to feel betrayed by the very political party I helped to elect. But that comes with change, and I’m willing to be uncomfortable if it means we can turn this ship around.

So thank you, Barack Obama, for giving us the greatest gift our generation could have ever received – HOPE.

Tagged as hope, Inspiration, Obama, politics + Categorized as Ideas & Theories, Building a community, Inspiration, Ideas & Theories, Saving the world