made this for you | the future isn’t what it used to be

I was completely moved by President Obama’s Inauguration. I sincerely hope the reader of this post saw the speech; but if they didn’t- watch it here on CNN. Of the many areas that were touched on by President Obama, one stayed has stayed in my thoughts consistently- taking risks. Here is a quote from his speech:

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

This struck a huge cord with me. I have relatives that left their families in Europe, in search of a better life in America. I have relatives that fought and died in World War II. I have relatives that marched alongside African-Americans for civil rights in the 60’s. I have relatives that were imprisoned for their philosophies. They all go off their asses to make a change in their lives, not knowing the outcome. They stayed true to their heart, right or wrong. I look at all they tried to accomplish in their life, and am greatly humbled and thankful.

When I saw President Obama step out of his car during the Presidential Parade today, I was humbled once more. This was a huge risk, considering America’s history of assassinating great leaders. It is one thing to stand up and make an amazing speech about taking chances; but it is another thing to show it.

I spent years taking risks in my career, but not in my life. I had one of those moments a few years ago when my whole life flashed before me- and I ran away from everyone. I realized I hadn’t done anything that amounted to anything in my life; and I had wasted a portion of that on false hopes and false people.

Every day since then has been a day of discovery and choices. I make decisions quickly, and act on them right away. I came to the hard realization that life is way too short, and I didn’t want to waste another minute not being true to my heart. If my heart isn’t in something now, I just walk away.

To take a risk in your life, you heart has to be in it. I saw real heart today by President Obama.