The United States has long held the status of being the greatest nation in the world. Not because of our economy, innovation, or might, but because we have been a culture of hope and anticipation. Let me say that again: what has both distinguished and propelled the U.S. forward has been a culture of hope and anticipation - excitement about what is possible, the promise of tomorrow. Everything that we point to as our achievements has followed from this ethos.

Today, other countries — namely India and China — are forging ahead in economy, education, and innovation--and the U.S. is fading into the shadows of our former glory days. The present, and the future, seems dim and somewhat bleak-looking. What is the difference? India and China are cultivating a culture of hope.

“Yes we can” has been overplayed, but it is pragmatic and sums up the cultural shift in consciousness that will lead the United States into our evolutionary future, both as a nation and as a species. We can’t wait until all of our challenges have been resolved and then feel good about where we’re going; we have to feel good now, in order to get there! And we CAN do this.

Intention determines the outcome. You may think I’m talking metaphysics here, but study statistics, just as one example, and you’ll learn that this principle is tried and true in the hard sciences as well.

As we intend it, so shall it be. Where our attention goes, our energy follows. As we think, so shall we believe. As we act, so shall we create.

The United States is a great country. If we intend to continue to be a world-class country with world-class citizens, then it is up to each of us individually to renew, reinvigorate, and foster a culture of hope and anticipation.

In spite of what we see on the 6 o'clock news there is an abundance of good news to arouse the best in us (check out NCReview for inspiration): the best news of all is that positive possibility, a culture of hope, is just a thought away.Yes we are!