I wasn't raised in a military family, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the sacrifice. Today I remember Linda and the other army wives who took me in for Thanksgiving dinner (in Colorado) during my Girl Reinvented camping odyssey in 2010. That experience, like so many others, opened my eyes to a world outside my sheltered NYC bubble. I penetrated and absorbed one unique subculture after another. Experiencing life through their eyes helped me understand the hardship and sacrifice those left behind go through. Most things are more significant and important than me; I must never forget that.
Our time here on earth is so precious and short, and to think we are surrounded by men and women that walk directly into danger, willing to sacrifice their own short lives, so the rest of us can be free. That level of courage, selflessness, and sacrifice is unparalleled. It takes an extraordinary person to be that brave.
This Memorial Day, let's take a few minutes to pause and remember how lucky we are. We must never take our freedom for granted. I can write this blog and run my own company because of the sacrifices of others. Let's honor the fallen by being kind and grateful. And if you don't experience it already, train your brain to be content. The ability to be content is what we're missing most as a society. Appreciate what you have right before you, and stop wanting and judging. Life is too short to waste time on appearances, material things, and other people's thoughts.
Keep your circle close and love them hard, but remember to step outside your bubble too. We are all more alike than we are different.
Live big. Love hard. Be grateful.
XOXO,
