The Audacity of Hope?
ByI have heard a few references during the week to the idea that it is your INTENTION that is important, rather than what you achieve. It is what you are setting out to do, what you want to achieve, what you HOPE for the world – the vision that you can give people.
I suppose that one of the reasons this idea has been around, is because it is the first anniversary of Barack Obama’s inauguration. His message is such a one of hope and of possibility- “The Audacity of Hope”. I read both of his books and was so taken by his message, that we went to the USA to be there for the Inauguration – we weren’t in Washington, but went to BB King’s Bar in Times Square to be with a mixture of tourists and New Yorkers to witness the great event.
I have never felt that Barack had to do anything other than to stick true to his vision. He is one man. One human being, the same as me. I cannot ask him to do things that I am not going to do myself. He has no more power or obligation than I do to create a different world. But his vision can really inspire me and all I ask of him is to stay true to that. He cannot single handedly break through the power bases that exist in Washington and throughout the financial and commercial worlds. He is doing what he can – and a large part of what he is doing, is holding up a light as to what can be.
When I get frustrated with myself, and the lack of progress I feel that I am making in some areas of my life, it really helps me to come back to my intention – and to get clear on that. If I am true to that, it is all I can do. I may not be able to change the world. I can make changes in my part of it, and to be the best that I can be – and I can hold my vision of how things could be. That’s enough.
