Happy Inauguration Day America!

I typically avoid politics as a whole, but there are sometimes it simply can’t be avoided. I mean, today IS Inauguration Day after all.

 

This post isn’t a woe-is-me-my-party-lost nor is it a woot-we-won. I didn’t vote for Biden/Harris and neither did I vote for Trump/Pence. For me, both sides have issues and I didn’t want to vote for Biden/Harris just because I don’t like Trump and wanted him out (this method of thinking just adds to the problems of how our society currently functions *arguably*). However, I am happy to say a warm welcome to Biden/Harris for the next 4 years. I am appreciative of their so far sincerity, humility and generosity. I also wish them the best. They have sooooo much work cut out for them.

 

Today sparks a new segment into American History as Joe Biden is now the 46^th US President and Kamala Harris the Vice President. Kamala is the first female as well as the first woman of color & woman of multiple ethnicities represented in the US Leadership’s history. 59 inaugurations later and history has been again etched into the fabrics of time. Today at work, I put on the live stream on my personal tablet and I was not disappointed. Many screenshots were taken today, some I’ve already posted on Facebook earlier. Not gonna lie, I teared up watching Kamala take her oath. I’m sure many felt this way when President Obama was sworn in (twice) as History was made then too. And now, FINALLY, a woman – a woman of so many facets of life – is going to help lead this country. As I read my Facebook posts throughout the day, SO many people feel the same. Many of my friends, especially my female friends, shared they simply bawled today.

 

Today is another memorable day for America.

 

For the first time in awhile, today has brought some new hope, some new sunshine into the disarray of our lives. I’m sure like me, many others feel the same. Stress has seem to lift some, worries have begun to seem less consuming, breathing feels less heavy, fears are beginning to show signs of dissipating. It’s almost like how a New Year feels for many – a fresh beginning with the memories of the past. Today’s inauguration is like a New Year.

 

The next 4 years are going to a challenge for them – Joe and Kamala have a lot of work to undo, to create, to compromise in the greater good (not everyone can win-win y’all, just accept it), to motivate, to inspire, and to lead. Their 4 years is not going to be perfect, not everything will be fixed in 4 years (maybe even 8), they are only 2 people leading a nation. Listening to Biden’s inauguration speech about Unity was comforting. Unity with work towards the common good is something that I’ve always tried to practice and preach. For far too long, people have been concerned about I, I, I, me, me, me, mine, mine, mine. In today’s hard times and pandemic, it’s easy to fall back on protecting yourself and yours. No job – no money – no car/transportation means – no food – no home. Kids or no kids. Single, roommates, significant others, married, divorced, or widowed. It’s a hard knock life right now. However, how many have suffered because we couldn’t spare a little time, a little food, a little money, especially during times like these? (and yes, I throw myself into this too – I haven’t been as generous as I like to be). Another key moment from today was listening to  first-ever youth poet laureate (y’all, she’s TWENTY TWO, TWENTY THREE sometime this year! Get em girl!) Amanda Gorman’s The Hill We Climb was simply jaw dropping inspiring. Like I seriously want to print it out/frame it. If I have to listen to a video and stop/replay/stop/replay to write it down, I will. (Edit: I found it. See link) She was channeling some major Maya Angelou vibes *major head nods*

 

“… for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman

 

“… for there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.” – Amanda Gorman Click To Tweet

 

*Queen-move slay, Nation cries, heartstrings are SEVERELY pulled*

 

With today’s inauguration, we start anew under new leadership. Today we have a new slate, a new chance, new opportunities and a happier future if we as a nation can let go what’s been in our clenched hands and fists and instead open them up to our neighbors, our communities and our potential futures.

 

Welcome Home Mr. President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Madam Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. May the next 4 years be full of peace, happiness and unity.