I have taken this quote from Ivy Baker Priest, Treasurer of the United States from 1953 – 1961. It seemed appropriate bearing in mind we witnessed a new beginning in the USA last week. Some people, when they speak inspire you with confidence, and not to take anything away from President Joe Biden, who despite the many millions who voted alternatively, spoke with honesty and truth. But, the words of Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman rang out loud and clear. She had presence and passion and sometimes that is all we want!

We want to believe those who lead us, and it is all too easy to dismiss the message when we don’t have trust. But trust is important, and we can and will bear anything when we trust the message. Sadly, the message, and from all quarters has lacked that single most important strand.

Those who stand to run the country are elected by us and we can argue that the system isn’t ‘right’, but it is the one we have, so we have to take some responsibility in that decision. It’s very easy to say well I didn’t vote for that or this, but we have to believe that together we can find a way through. Sometimes, I believe we vote for change, simply because we are fed up with the ‘old’ so want the ‘new’. Even when the new may not actually be what we really want! But we fight against the system and in time we will make another decision about our leaders and believe that at the time it is the right one!

I was raised by my Grandmother, who taught me right from wrong; to be respectful; to be honest and truthful; and to always aspire to being better than I am. I have always tried to live by those values. I am sure I have fallen by the wayside at times, but those I trust have helped me through. Trust is about being able to count upon those you rely and at the moment we must rely upon each other. There is no room for negativity or doubt. Yes, by all means question and hold people to account, but do it properly. Do it, with the eye on the goal of being honest and true and being trusted and let’s make this the beginning and not the end!