History in the Making

Whether we sit to the left, right or center of the proverbial political fence, I think we can all agree that today's inauguration of President Barack Obama was a big moment in U.S. history.

But it's important to remember that history, especially personal history (or herstory), isn't defined only by the big, record-setting, news-worthy moments. Every day you make your own history moment by moment, deciding who you are, what's important to you and how you choose to live. Although it may not always feel like it, your daily existence is a real-life Choose Your Own Adventure.

Our lives are shaped each second by the choices we make. At times, our ability to choose might feel like an albatross around our necks--when it's all said and done, only we can be held accountable. We were the ones who closed the door, dropped the gavel, opened the letter, stepped on the brake, cast the ballot, said yes, said no, said nothing. But the beauty of this daily responsibility is the inherent power we have to become our most authentic selves. We can do it in the blink of an eye, in the single second it takes to choose the path that honors our truest nature.

Don't think for a second that you must struggle, fight, curse or claw your way into an authentic life. Although the path may be rocky or unclear, and the soles of your shoes may be worn away until every rock and pebble can be felt underfoot, and it's through sheer grit or courage you take each next step, it is the gift of presence--that incredible moment of now that lets us choose over and over and over to be our most honest, realized selves--that is gently, surprisingly effortless.