Bare with me as a tie many thoughts together on this beautiful January day. As you have probably heard, the nation just witnessed history by swearing in Barack H. Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America.

As the process of choosing our Commander-in-Chief has come to an end, it must be noted that we do not vow our allegiance to a republican, or a democrat, but rather to the President. While you may not agree with all of President Obamas policies, I would like to discuss something upon which we can all agree. Commitment.

Commitment may well be the ground upon which freedom is built. Without commitment, our lives, our country, our prosperity, and most everything we cherish would be meaningless. Commitment creates the promise of tomorrow, the ability to take something good and persevere. The ability to pass on a place, such as our country, an idea, such as freedom, a love, such as we love our children.

President Obama's words speak to this commitment. His life serves as an example of this commitment. His goals only possible with this commitment. He calls upon our country to be strong, to be proud, to be caring, to persevere through tough times. He sees our nation as a testament to commitment. He reflects on troubled times of the past and reminds us that it was American commitment that brought us through and made us who we are.

It's that very commitment that must be renewed in our lives, in the lives of all Americans. I have not seen a country short on jobs, or short on money, or short on morals, or short on amazing will-power. Unfortunately, I have seen a country short on commitment. Commitment to our world reputation, commitment to the underprivileged, commitment to the environment, commitment to a host of things   is at an all time low. Perhaps this ties to some sort of apathy, an attitude of not caring. Or perhaps it ties to a generation or two of individuals who can't get "me, me, me" outta their heads.

Whatever the cause, whatever the root of the problem, Americans must renew their commitments. To the world, to the nation, and to each other. Commitment is all that stands in the way of our greatness.

Now, don't walk away from this blog with just a warm, fuzzy feeling, reading about commitment is not the same as commitment. I also realize that writing about commitment is not commitment. You and me both need to find a way to renew our commitments and lead others we know by example.

Now I know that our commitments today won't restore our world reputation overnight, nor will it save the planet, turn the economy around, nor make the world all sparkling clean in a few days. This is what I have determined today... Commitment has no separate sizes or values. Commitment is the same wherever it is placed. You cannot say ones commitment is better than anothers. This is true for two reasons; 1) Commitment will go on indefinitely if you remain committed. 2.) Your commitment can breed commitment in others. Therefore, any commitment you make has the power to grow, last, inspire, and spread.

So, what are you waiting for? Commit to something to improve your life, your families lives, a child's life, a stranger's life! Commit to hard work, helping the poor, having a better attitude, making your bed every morning. Better yet, pick a few things to commit to! Then get excited about it. It's your commitment! Make it important, love your commitment, be committed to your commitment! Most   importantly, make it grow. Let others see your commitment. Let them experience it. Show them that its commitment that makes you who you are. Inspire them to be committed to anything, to anyone. This commitment will grow into an unstoppable force.

As for me... I will remain committed to my children, I will renew my commitment to my work ethic, I will be committed to helping any child in need. Now to share something more personal...

Last year, I was blessed with having three wonderful people come into my life. It's safe to say that they are some of the victims in a "lack-of-commitment" world. What has moved me, is although she has seen commitment after commitment to her fail, she continues to be one of the most committed people I have ever met. Committed to her children, committed to a   better life, committed to her work ethic, committed to caring about others. I could go on and on. I want her to experience the commitment that she so graciously puts forth. I am lucky enough to have become an important part in their lives, and it's my commitment to be there. My commitment to love her and the kids, my commitment to have a good impact in their lives.

I'm starting right here in my town, in my house, with my family. You can do the same. Commitment is a strong word. Say it and mean it. Thats commitment. Best of luck in your journey :)