While listening to Obama's inaugural speech this morning I was struck once again by his perspective that our country is not going to turn around simply because there is a new President in office. His focus is, and always has been, teamwork. We as a nation need to work together to create change. President Obama is going to do his part to create avenues for us to prosper but it is up to us to use those avenues for the greater good.
What has made the United States a country that people desire to become a part of, to the extent that they leave their own countries to create a new life here, is the hope of the American Dream. Many of us who have lived in this country our entire lives have forgotten what that is. According to Wikipedia the definition of the American Dream is:
"The freedom that allows all citizens of the United States to pursue their goals in life through hard work and free choice."
Obama is challenging each and every one of us to support this dream. The question I asked myself this morning is how I can participate in supporting the American Dream. What can I change about my daily routine to contribute to the bettering of our country?
For me, the answer was clear. I can't think of anyone working harder to pursue the American Dream than the local "mom and pop" shops scattered throughout our country. They range from coffee shops to drycleaners to butchers to builders. If we all made a personal decision to support our local businesses our countries success would grow exponentially. Our job market is overcrowded and the unemployment rate is high; much of this could be remedied by supporting those around us who are working hard to create their own American Dream.
This is not always easy as it forces us to drive farther out of our way, pay a little more and get out of our cars rather than using the drive through. However, I have challenged myself and challenge you also: choose to support your local neighbors whenever the opportunity arises and watch how our country grows!
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