Building a resilient, cooperative community

Generally I am not a fan of New Year's resolutions, perhaps because I have not been overly successful in maintaining them. I do try to practice mindfulness and daily gratitude reflections. Keeping a focused attitude on affirmations and what I hope for the future is an ongoing exercise that has to be practiced daily, not just at the beginning of the year.

Right now, top of mind in my family is the impending birth of our first grandchild. I have to admit as many already know - it is a game changer. Watching my children prepare for parenting has opened my mind to the future in a way that I had not really expected.

A New Year is always full of hope and anticipation and this year I am awed by the potential connection to the future that welcoming a new grandson to the world brings our family. I hope for a better world, I worry about what the world will be like 30 years from now. So my resolution for the upcoming year is two pronged. First I am committed to making myself more available to my family - to listen, to be present, and to offer loving support and welcoming hugs. Second, I continue my commitment and belief that I have the ability to help create the world I wish for - a world full of possibility and hope, a community that supports resiliency and opportunity for each and every child. I am committed to help create a community and a world that values those who exercise leadership and build a culture of abundance. I believe we all are responsible for promoting conversations, meaningful and respectful conversations, based on our deeply held values.

And while I know that the future is uncertain and I may not be around to see the world in 30 years, I will welcome my new grandson with open arms and loving heart, firm in my belief that our community has much opportunity to continue to solve the challenging problems of creating equity, supporting those with mental health needs, and building a culture of cooperation among between our governments in Linn County, as well as cooperation between local, state and federal government. I am inspired to think of the opportunity I have been given as an elected official and as a board member of many organizations both here and in the nation. I resolve to my commitment to build a better community and better world - a world where every child is welcomed with loving arms and hearts.

' Linda Langston is Chairwoman of the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Comments: linda.langston@linncounty.org