Saturday, July 04, 2009

July 4th

When I think of Independence Day I think of Martina McBride's song about abuse.

I think about the profound respect I feel for men and women who risk their lives for all of us and who often come home from war with trauma as deep and profound as that which any of us carries inside.

I think of courage.

I think of the hopes and dreams the founders of the United States had for our country.

I find myself thinking that in my own life I want to live with courage, take risks for my own hopes and dreams and be willing to stand up for what's right even when it isn't easy.

Wishing for each of us our own independence days, every day. May we be able to fight for our hopes and dreams and take steps to escape the chains of our past. Every day.

Sending blessings and safe and gentle (((((((hugs))))))),
April_optimist

8 comments:

jumpinginpuddles said...

independance day is about freedom without predjudice and racism and sexism, that is what the new america founded itself on.

Kahless said...

Not having an independence day in the UK, I am not sure I get the USA's enchantment with it.

No offense meant.

Enola said...

ng

Enola said...

No idea why my comment came up "Ng" - must have been pre-coffee. I meant that I love that song too!

micro-woman said...

Our own independence days, every day...Woot! Yes!! Wonderful posts on your blog, April. Are you on twitter? If not, please join, so we can follow each other.

I just started a Twibe for adult abuse survivors on Twitter and would love to have you join to post your inspirational messages. You can link to posts on your blog too. Here's the short url for my twibe, Survivorhood, http://twib.es/FGO

Marj aka Thriver said...

Our own independence days! I LOVE that idea. Thanks!

Feminist Voice with Disabilities said...

What a lovely, creative post about independence. Good for you! I wanted to let you know I just came across your blog today and liked it so much I linked to yours from my blog. I hope you keep writing as you have valuable things to say which can help others to feel less alone in the world.

Take care!

Jen

April_optimist said...

Colleen, Thank you.

Jumping in Puddles, Yes, very true.

Kahless, No offense taken. I think it's that from the US persepctive the revolution was a triumph of hope over fear and that's a powerful and inspiring image.

Enola, LOL! Glad you came back and clarified. I spent a while trying to figure out what ng stood for. ;-)

Micro-Woman, I'm thinking about Twitter--either for this or for my writing identity. Will keep the twibe in mind!

Marj, Glad you like the idea.

Jen, So glad you like my blog. Will pop over and check out yours and add a link to it.