There is much chaos, confusion and divisiveness in the world today. Some politicians around the world are acting more like bullies than leaders. The recent presidential campaign in the US has become more like a circus or Presidential Jerry Springer show instead of something more presidential.

Many Americans are quite discouraged with the outcome of the election and have taken their frustrations out in the street in the form of protest. Some Americans say they will be moving out of the country out of disgust with the new president.

There is much uncertainty with the political climate under the new leadership. Although President Elect Trump once stated he wanted to make America great again, many question his ability and true intentions.

We all want to make America great again but that can’t happen if we fight with one another and  not support our military and law enforcement who protect us. It won’t happen if we talk bad about ourselves, our government and our leaders. It won’t happen if we refuse to support our President and government. And most importantly, it won’t happen if we incite divisive and violent actions and behaviors towards one another.

A country is only as good as its people. When I traveled to Japan, I was quite impressed with the people there. The people were polite and courteous. They were helpful and honest. They followed rules and even waited til the traffic light changed to green before walking. The Japanese people have respect for their leaders, elders and for one another. They may have differences but learn to co-exist with one another.

In Japan, it is normal to not receive a tip for service rendered. In fact, they would be offended if a tip is given to them  due to their values and sense of ethics and integrity.

Japan is a beautiful country and is a great nation of many enlightened beings. What makes them special is their extraordinary ability to observe, learn, adapt and make something  better. Historically, they have learned from other countries and cultures and have  incorporated what they learn with their unique and beautiful interpretation. Karate, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, Zen Buddhism and their folk music have its origin from China but their unique interpretation and spin of it turned it into something extraordinary and reaching a whole new level of perfection.

President Kennedy once said, in his inauguration speech, “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” These are such powerful words that contain so much truth that are still relevant today.

We can make America great again by first having gratitude for the freedom we have. Some countries, religious freedom is a luxury. We must learn to be grateful for all our blessings. The more we travel around the world, the more we will be more appreciative of what we have. In some countries, people are fearful of just going from point A to point B. In one country, shops close early due to fear of terrorist.

We can make America great again by being the change we want to see in others.

We can make America great again by having respect for ourselves, others (despite race, religions, orientations and gender), and our leaders. We need to give our newly elected leader the benefit of the doubt and support him in the best of our ability. If we disagree with something, it is our right to protest but we must do it in a peaceful way. All great leaders of change have protested in a peaceful way.

We can make America great again by loving our neighbor as ourselves.

We can make America great again by uniting in prayer.

We can make America great again by seeing the Divine beauty in all of us, all of creation and all of humanity.

We can make America great again by serving our country.

We can make America great again by showing our children how beautiful they are and that they and all creatures great and small are Divine.

We can make America great again by not judging others and having more compassion and understanding.

We can make America great again by learning what is working in our global community and embracing and learning what works and getting rid of what  doesn’t.

We can make America great again by supporting those organizations and groups that are helping those who are poor, oppressed or have physical or emotional challenges.

We can make America great again by supporting our troops and all the men and women of uniform.

We can make America great again by meditating, visualizing and praying for a great nation for all who have a dream for a brighter future.

God bless America!