Memorial Day | Let Freedom Ring

As I sit and ponder the war in Ukraine and Russia and all that goes with it, my mind moves to where I happen to live.  And I think…I could be Ukrainian or Russian, and in the middle of a war right now.

But, instead here I am sitting in front of my computer, with my electricity and air conditioning and feeling the opposite of fear.

I feel peace, contentment, and anticipation.

I have no thoughts of fear. Or when the air raid sirens will sound. Or how quickly I need to move to a shelter.

I am planning my menu for the weekend, getting the pool toys ready and the beach towels washed and ready for a weekend of fun and laughter.

Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer. Which is barbecues and lake living for me. 

And I am ever so grateful for all of the men and women who gave their lives so that I can be free. All of those lives lost in the distant past and the ones who died today…for me. Someone whom they never met.

Because to them, losing a life was a sacrifice they were willing to make so that my country, the USA, was not another Russia.

I found 3 quotes that spoke to me about this awesome, but yet solemn, holiday:

“How important it is for us to recognize our heroes and she-roes.” – Maya Angelou

“My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” – John F. Kennedy

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

I also found some great Memorial Day facts for you:

• It honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
• It is observed on the last Monday of May, although for many years it was observed on May 30.
• Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day.
• It became a federal holiday in 1971, and created a three-day weekend for federal employees.
• Memorial Day is known as the unofficial beginning of the summer season.
• Each year, a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.

I knew all but the last fact. And this year, I will set my alarm and have a moment of remembrance. How about you?

Stay safe. And enjoy this special day.

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Now, sometimes life can get pretty overwhelming, right?

And sometimes, when you are overwhelmed, stress sets in.

And when stress sets in it is sometimes difficult to be happy or joyful. So, please don’t let stress have the last word! 

Go on and take a look at the ‘Top 5 Stress Reducers’ (Action Plan included). So that you can eliminate what causes you stress and get on the path of living a joyful life.

What is Joyful Living all about?

Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help! 

To begin, go ahead and read:

• What is Joyful Living?
• 5 Simple Steps to Choosing Joy
• Finding Joy in All Things
• What Does God Say About Joy?
• Difference Between Happiness and Joy