What’s Giving You Hope?
It’s inauguration day. I think back to early November and this day just felt SO far away. I’ve had a lot of nervousness leading up today, especially after the insurrection on the 6th. But we are here, and aside from any nervousness, I feel so incredibly hopeful. My shoulders are hanging a little lower than usual, that crick in my neck seems to be finally going away, and I feel like I can breathe again.
Today we inaugurate our 46th president.
This afternoon marks the start of the Biden presidency. Just writing that sentence fills up my heart. And besides swearing in Joe Biden, we will watch Kamala Harris become first the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to become the vice president of our country. Biden and Harris have become such symbols of hope for me personally, and I’m sure many of you feel exactly the same way. When I think about Biden I think of hope but also empathy, unity, and real leadership.
A fresh start, a new beginning for our country. I am really proud of us for getting to this day. It is easy to feel nervous. It’s easy to be scared. And I let’s be real: I am definitely also both of those things. I struggle with feeling exuberance and joy while also wanting to temper my expectations to not be disappointed. But I am choosing to focus on HOPE. On small miracles, micro-joys, and little kindnesses and good deeds that will add up and make a big difference. We are all in this together.
I’m hopeful for the vaccine rollouts. I get emotional every time I see a vaccine selfie and cannot wait to see my parents get theirs. And I am dead scared of needles but I’ll be first in line once it’s my turn. I’m hopeful for an eventual return of normalcy. To be able to freely give hugs, to travel again (and travel back to New York!), to go to the beach (I have been really missing the beach lately), to not feel constantly worried and scared.
A few of my personal favorite quotes about hope:
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” – Michelle Obama
“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” – Barbara Kingsolver
“It’s always something, to know you’ve done the most you could. But, don’t leave off hoping, or it’s of no use doing anything. Hope, hope to the last.” – Charles Dickens
What is giving you hope today (and every day?) Happy inauguration day. XO
Happy inauguration day! Hope you’re having a great one! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Thank you Charmaine!
Happy Inauguration Day, Grace! I’m going to try to let my ever present anxiety from the last four years go today – it is a new time for hope! I get a little choked up every time I think that we’re going to get a woman VP in 1.5 hours & that gives me so much hope!
YES! Feel exactly the same!
My over-70 parents and in-laws have all gotten the first round of the vaccine which is a huge relief to me and my husband. I am hopeful for spring, for warmer weather, for great books to read and meals to eat. I am hopeful for the young girls who will grow up never knowing what it’s like to not have a woman in the White House. What a great day!
That is amazing, what a huge relief!!!! I love your list, thank you for sharing!
While I am nervous about anti racism policies in his administration, and nervous about the state of the senate and getting bills passed, I am very relieved that we have an administration that believes in science and human rights. I am hopeful that Biden will stick to his campaign promises, and am relieved that vaccine roll out and getting back into the Paris Climate Accord are things he is doing at an executive decision level.
Yes to those things!!!
My hope on this Inauguration Day, springs from a peaceful transition of power. I’m also reminded of the greatness of our country when reviewing the letters former presidents left the incoming. While I have little hope about 45’s letter, I have hope that our leaders will continue today toward the more perfect union.
YES!
My parents are both getting vaccinated today!! And inauguration – duh
Ah amazing!!!!
Today is a great day for all Americans! No matter your political allegiance, if you don’t love and appreciate the institutions and freedoms we have in this country then you don’t love and understand democracy. There is something so magical and honestly proud to watch all leaders in our government, from both sides, stand together to bring this country back to what it once was. I truly respect and value all the Republicans who are standing for tradition and loyalty not to their party but rather the country they serve. This is a day of hope for everyone and the calm we have needed especially for the past year!
So well said, thank you for sharing!
YES to all of this.
My mom received her first dose of the vaccine last week and hearing that news made me so hopeful. We’re inching closer to better days and today I am relishing that feeling.
Oh wow, I love that! Thank you for sharing!!!!
What a joyous day! Your post brought tears to my eyes that there are other people like me, who feel the same. Your thoughts are well spoken and your quotes of hope, well received. Thank you!
Thank you!!!! So much joy, so much hope!
Feeling so hopeful today too. I’m just excited for decency and tradition coming back to the white house. I feel like it’s something we have needed for so long. Here’s to hopefully a very productive 4 years! I’d love to see them knock it out of the park.
xo Jessica
an indigo day
Sending you a big hug!!!!
Yes! I agree with you so much about feeling hope today. I feel hope that I’m finally going to see my family again this year. I haven’t seen them since February 1, 2020, and I miss them *so* much. I live in NYC, and it’s just felt too unsafe to go visit them back in Wisconsin. I’m hopeful that they’ll be vaccinated (long before me!) and we’ll be reunited at some point this year. On top of that, my brother and his wife are having a baby girl this year which is also bringing me so much joy! I feel so much comfort having President Biden and Vice President Harris in office today and knowing that hope is coming. Hope you’re doing well, Grace!
So much hope! Thank you for sharing!!!
So beautifully written. I felt like a black cloud left DC so we can hope again and feel empathy.
YES!
Hi, Grace. I’m most hopeful because I believe the Biden administration will guide us through the pandemic using science. He might not be able to do everything. But he’ll surround himself with intelligent people.
And. Well. Kamala.
Everyday I write some type of inspirational message on a chalkboard in my yard. I think tomorrow I’ll use the Dicken’s quote. Thanks.
YES, I agree so much, and am happy the quote resonated for you!