There’s an interesting article in the October 24^th issue of New York magazine written by Noreen Malone. It’s titled: “Coming of age in post-hope America”. The article reflects the feelings and attitudes of some young people today. The statement in red, on page 23 of the article she writes, My screwed, coddled, self-absorbed, mocked, surprisingly resilient generation. Does this describe you?

Today’s youth shouldn’t feel like there’s no hope in America. Of all the countries in the world, America is the one – and perhaps only – country where there will always be hope. Why? Because in America individuals can have a sense of ‘optimism’ about what they can be or do in their life …’belief’ in themselves to do and be whatever they choose …and ‘opportunity’ to implement their optimism and belief into actions which result in opportunity becoming reality. The high school and college students I meet with are very resilient …they know there’s always hope in America! Do you agree?

Let’s face it; America is going through a very challenging, tough and frustrating period for all of us, young and old. A slumping economy, high unemployment, greed, lack of integrity in business and politics, rising costs of education and student loans averaging $24,000 are reality. American’s in a deep economic and emotional hole. And sadly, our leaders can’t seem to agree on what needs to be done to dig us out of it. There appears to be no simple solution to solving our problems. What can you do to be part of the solution?

I believe there is certainly reason to believe that things can and will be better in the future. What do you think? To make your hopes come true for a better America requires making tough decisions in addition to being patient and persistent while you’re out there doing something to make things better. But, saying there’s no hope…I don’t believe that’s true.

It’s up to each of us to make hope an active, rather than passive word in your life. How do you do that? One way is to make your own hopes come true and not rely on someone else!