Yes, we can -- and we did! And now what do we want to do next?

It's the day after the 2008 election, which I believe will long be viewed as an historic event. Energy is shifting all over the place, and we've seen a manifestation of such changes in the election of Barack Obama. Regardless of which candidate you voted for, we can all feel good about our country. America is a land where freedom is valued. Where each person may choose to vote for the candidate who most resonates with him or her. Where free speech allows us to voice our opinions and disagree. Now tolerance and good sense require us to overlook our disagreements and move on. I believe that now is a time to focus on improving our world in whatever way we can. Each individual in our country has the power to make changes, changes that make the world -- our world -- a better place to live. The hope that was infused in many by the recent election should not lessen. Rather, now is a time to take that hope and build upon it. What would you like to see happen in 2009? And what can you do to make the changes that you seek? Gandhi said, Be the change you want to see in the world. I am now taking time to carefully consider what I can do to make life better for myself, my loved ones, and my community. I ask that you join me in considering your values, your goals, and your desires and take time now to create a plan to bring them to fruition. Let the wave of hope and excitement generated by the recent election carry us all -- regardless of race, gender, or political party -- into a brighter and more positive tomorrow.