For eight incredible years, Kathryn and I have greeted every day with enormous gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of North Dakota as governor and first lady. We have been rewarded with a deeper sense of love and appreciation for this exceptional place where we were born, where we became a family and where we embarked on an immensely rewarding journey into public service.

Our two terms in office have reaffirmed what we already knew: North Dakota truly is the best of America. From the farm fields to the oil fields, North Dakotans work tirelessly to feed and fuel the world. Agriculture and energy form the bedrock of a robust and increasingly diverse economy that has continued to expand across manufacturing, technology, health care, aerospace, retail, tourism and other areas.

Our abundant natural resources are the envy of the nation, from the rich soils of the Red River Valley to the bountiful oil and gas deposits of the Bakken, to the highly productive lakes, rivers, grasslands and Badlands teeming with fish and wildlife.

On our first day in office, in our first meeting with cabinet agency leaders, and in my first State of the State address, I issued this challenge: Anything being done simply because “that’s the way we have always done it” should be and must be rigorously and respectfully questioned. And no matter what, we must have the courage to admit that we can always do better.

In the ensuing years, we harnessed the power of technology to reinvent government processes to be more efficient, responsive and cost-effective for taxpayers. We engaged our tribal nations in new and unprecedented ways, strengthening relationships built on understanding and mutual respect. We prioritized behavioral health and reduced the stigma of the disease of addiction, inspiring thousands to find hope in recovery. We encouraged and supported cities of all sizes in their efforts to create healthy, vibrant communities with smart, efficient infrastructure that can attract and retain a skilled workforce. We empowered teachers with policies and tools to support innovative education. We provided historic tax relief and diversified our economy to make our state more competitive and resilient.

Through it all, we fought to protect the freedoms and safety that make our state a great place to live, work and raise a family. Working with the Legislature, Lt. Govs. Tammy Miller and Brent Sanford, and other state and local officials, we expanded Second Amendment rights. We passed “Back the Blue” policies and programs to support our peace officers, firefighters and first responders. We made huge strides toward making North Dakota the most military-friendly state in the nation.

This work – firmly rooted in the values of courage, curiosity, gratitude and humility – was fulfilling beyond measure. It’s as President Theodore Roosevelt said: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” We caught the prize, and the last eight years have been filled with work worth doing.

We owe North Dakota’s positive outlook to the private-sector innovators and entrepreneurs, the bold leaders and risk-takers, the teachers, nurses, laborers and other workers on the front lines, and the outstanding efforts of dedicated Team ND members who strive everyday to ensure that state government lives up to our purpose statement: Empower People, Improve Lives and Inspire Success.

Our state has never been stronger. Our future has never been brighter. Thank you for being an important part of our state’s ongoing success, and thank you for giving Kathryn and me this opportunity to serve the Great State of North Dakota!

Gov. Doug Burgum is the 33rd governor of North Dakota. His second four-year term in office concludes today, Dec. 14.