A brand new day of opportunity has been bestowed on us who are fortunate enough to live in countries, though flawed, are free of tyranny, war and famine.  Whenever I find myself trying to feel sorry for myself, I have been making an effort to do a 180 and think about how blessed and lucky I am to have made it this far.  I am happy that I am still here.  Many of my former peers are not. 

Many of them will never have the opportunity to see the brand new reality in America.  We actually elected the first African-American President of the United States.  Our First Lady is a black lady in every sense.  What we have only imagined has come to pass.

They will not enjoy the world at their fingertips through the magic of technology as we do.  On the other hand, they will not be subjected to the ever-quickening pace of life that this technology demands in our work lives.

Reality has changed for us all.  The last year has turned everything upside down.  We have discovered that what we believed was of value is valueless.  Now the question is; what do we value?  We now have indisputable proof that what is material is transient.  What is lasting is that which we believe in but cannot see.  If you have not found it for yourself become a seeker.  It will find you.

I have hope.  I am more hopeful now, today than I’ve been in years because, cliche’ or not, opportunity indeed arises out of crisis.  Embrace it.  Determine that you will not be defeated.  Never stop trying.