Hillary Clinton looks back at the years of being secretary of state and ponders whether she will run for US president in 2016

We stared at each other like two teenagers on an awkward first date, taking a few sips of Chardonnay. Finally Barack broke the ice by ribbing me a bit about the tough campaign I had run against him. Then he asked for my help uniting our party and winning the presidency. He wanted the two of us to appear together soon, and he wanted the Democratic National Convention in Denver to be unified and energized. He emphasized that he wanted Bill?s help as well.

I had already decided that I would agree to his request for help, but I also needed to raise some of the unpleasant moments of the past year. Neither of us had had total control over everything said or done in our campaigns, let alone by our most passionate supporters or by the political press, including a large herd of bloggers. Remarks on both sides, including some of my own, had been taken out of context, but the preposterous charge of racism against Bill was particularly painful. Barack made clear that neither he nor his team believed that accusation. As to the sexism that surfaced during the campaign, I knew that it arose from cultural and psychological attitudes about women?s roles in society, but that didn?t make it any easier for me and my supporters. In response Barack spoke movingly about his grandmother?s struggle in business and his great pride in Michelle, Malia, and Sasha and how strongly he felt they deserved full and equal rights in our society.

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Now, more than ever, the future is very much on my mind. Over the past year, as I?ve traveled around our country once again, the one question I?m asked more than any other is: Will I run for President in 2016?

The answer is, I haven?t decided yet.

But whenever someone brings it up, I?m honored by the energy and enthusiasm of those encouraging me to run, and even more by their belief that I can provide the leadership our country needs.

Right now I believe we should be focused on the work to be done in our country that can?t wait until 2016. Many of our fellow Americans who were hit hard by the Great Recession haven?t recovered. Too many young people are burdened with bigger student debt and smaller job prospects. There?s also an important election in 2014 that will decide control of Congress and have real consequences for our economy and our future. It?s not one we can afford to look past or sit out.

Recently, Bill and I took another of our long walks, this time with our three dogs, near our home. It had been an unseasonably long winter, but spring was finally peeking through the thaw. We walked and talked, continuing a conversation that began more than forty years ago at Yale Law School and hasn?t stopped yet.

We both know I have a big decision in front of me.

Having run for President before, I understand exactly how challenging it is on every front?not only on candidates but on their families as well. And having lost in 2008, I know that nothing is guaranteed, nothing can be taken for granted. I also know that the most important questions anyone considering running must answer are not ?Do you want to be President?? or ?Can you win?? They are ?What?s your vision for America?? and ?Can you lead us there?? The challenge is to lead in a way that unites us again and renews the American Dream. That?s the bar, and it?s a high one.

Ultimately, what happens in 2016 should be about what kind of future Americans want for themselves and their children?and grandchildren. I hope we choose inclusive politics and a common purpose to unleash the creativity, potential, and opportunity that makes America exceptional. That?s what all Americans deserve.

Whatever I decide, I will always be thankful for the chance to represent America around the world. I have learned anew the goodness of our people and the greatness of our nation. I feel blessed and grateful. Our future is so full of possibility. And for me and my family that includes looking forward to a new addition?another American who deserves the best possible future we can offer.

But for this day, at least, I just wanted to stretch my legs and enjoy the spring. Everywhere around me there was new life. There have been too few quiet moments like this over the years. And I want to savor them. The time for another hard choice will come soon enough.

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Excerpted with permission from Simon & Schuster