“Audacity. Meaning: fearless, daring.”

I don’t consider myself a very political person. Certainly I have opinions and ideas but I don’t profess to have a deep understanding of the intricacies of the political landscape in this country. But today, you didn’t need to be a political person to be caught up in the energy of what was happening. You just could feel it. The idea that change is an energy that moves people; one that gives them hope and renews their faith even in the face of extraordinary challenges. To be fearless and daring even when all the odds are stacked against you. To believe even when no one else does; even on some level, maybe even yourself. I thought about that today as I thought of Barack Obama’s book title, The Audacity of Hope.

This is a message that has no political party. It knows nothing of religion, sex, socioeconomic status. It only asks that you believe. Believe in yourself, believe in the power of intention, believe in the power of positive thinking. Believe in hope.

So on this day, think not only about the state of our country, but also on the state of your own personal “state.” Have hope. Set intentions around positive changes you want to make in your life. Maybe they have to do with yoga. Or running. Or healthy eating. Or your finances. Or your personal relationships. Or your job. While these things may seem to pale in comparison to what we’re facing as a country, you have a lot more control over these things than changing the direction of some of the major issues we’re facing collectively. And what better place to start in cleaning up the country then your own “state of the union.” If we all took the time to be the best we could be as individuals, think what an impact that would have on our communities, our families, our states and eventually, our country.

“We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. 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.”

President Barack Obama’s inaugural address, January 20, 2009.