Fourth of July weekend is upon us. Everyone, obviously, thinks of fireworks, cook outs, and this year a Monday off of work. While these things are great, they are not what makes the July 4th wonderful. This is a great holiday, because I truly believe that we live in the best country in the world. It’s important because we remember when 13 colonies declared their status as an independent nation. It’s our collective national birthday. With the birth of this nation came a freedom that isn’t available in many countries. This freedom came at a cost, of course. And, frankly, it still does! Many have sacrificed their time, efforts, and even their lives to protect it. I am truly grateful to all who allow us to have our continued freedom. The question that comes to mind then: how do we live in a way that honors this freedom? I think we can do this in a few ways:
1) Give thanks and respect to our military personnel. If you have a veteran in your life, tell them thank you and pay them the appropriate respect. These are the men and women who set aside their own lives, to protect us and our way of life. What better way to honor your freedom, then to recognize the source?
2) Live your ideal life. I think it’s easy to get caught in a bad cycle of work, sleep, repeat. Everyone works hard to make ends. This is understandable, and necessary, but at some point we may cease to live the life we want for the life we are stuck in. I know this is a hard one, because we have responsibilities and bills. Yet, if we just become our work, if we are always feeling “busy”, and we stop having joy, then on some level I feel like we waste the freedom bestowed upon us. The point is, we honor our freedom, by living happy, productive, passionate lives. If you look at your life and it isn’t what you want: change it. Maybe you wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle, paint a picture, or visit a foreign country. Time is not unlimited. Don’t use your days waiting for what’s next, but rather figure out what you want and get it.
3) Choose health. This is a big one. If we lead an unhealthy life, then we squander that life. Most disease is lifestyle related. Some argue that as much as 90% of chronic disease is due to lifestyle choices. This means that the choices we make: smoking, weight management, exercise, stress levels, sleep habits, and diet quality all determine our long term health. Further, it means you have the majority vote in your health. If we choose poorly, then we will be unhealthy, if we choose well, then results will follow. If we don’t choose well, it affects not only ourselves, but out friend, families, and community. We have the power and freedom to make these choices, so do it! You aren’t a prisoner to any bad habit.
4) Fix your mindset. So much of the quality of your life is determined by the outlook of your mind. It’s easy to get weighed down by daily stresses. The car is broke, there is a million errands to be done, etc. It’s possible in our world to be overcome by depression, stress, and anxiety. Honor your freedom, by choosing to think about your problems differently. Very little attention is given to the value your thought life plays in your day to day life, but this is a mistake, in my opinion. When bad times come, you can either face them with a deep breath and a positive mindset, or you can let it drag your brain down into the mud. Which do you think is going to take you farther?
My encouragement to you is this: enjoy the freedoms, that have been given to us, by living a life worthy of that sacrifice. Being a citizen of a free country is a great gift. Be healthy, be happy, honor others. Give of yourself. Know that you are blessed to be born a free person. We have a duty, born out of respect, to earn our freedom by living good lives. I hope you all have a happy, healthy Fourth of July. Be safe, have fun, and always remember to live a life that reflects your freedom.