The Scale and True Freedom

So I weighed in last night, the scale said 292 pounds. That is 8 pounds down, not bad for weighing in after work in my work clothes. Only 42 more pounds to go before September and I reach my goal. I didn’t walk last night, I was too tired. I also ate late at night. Kind of Bummed, but I can always restart. (Thank Goodness for That!!) I am not perfect, but I have to admit when I make a mistake. I have to be more accountable to myself, if I want to achieve this goal.

This being the Fourth of July weekend. I have been thinking a lot about this great holiday. I know that there were and are many people who stand up to make this country amazing. There are those who are willing to die to keep my idea of freedom safe. There are those who are willing to be spat, threatened, or cussed out because of their beliefs. We all have that ability to stand up to make this world a much better place.  My ex-husband and I have tried to teach our children these same values. For the past 2 years I have had Ben and Beth with me, while Bert was with this dad. My parents and I would go to Rustler’s Roost with the kids, eat BBQ & watch the fireworks. (Yes, being indoors is a lot nicer than 100+ degrees plus outside) This year because of my dad’s stroke and the progression of his COPD, we will not be going there. My sweet Ben has said “We should make Grandpa Tom a BBQ. So he doesn’t miss the 4^th of July” I look at Ben’s attitude as real Freedom. He understand compassion, he understands serving others, and he is very kind and loving. (He is a blessing in my life. I have learned so much from him.)

True and Real Freedom will come to my children when I have lost the extra weight that is holding me back from what I can and will be. I believe that all of us have “Extra Weight” that holds us back. It might be our financial situation, how we treat our spouse, how we have let our spouse treat us, how we treat our kids, how we treat our friends, how we treat our neighbors, but most of all how we treat ourselves. Do we see how living an honest, helpful, caring life can make the world better? Do we look to the sky and see the possibilities that we can accomplish?  Or do we think that we are in a pit that we cannot get out of. I know myself, I have a tendency to look at the pit and think that is all there is in life.

Relationships are to be cherished. That means putting in the time and effort to let the important people in your life that you care. It is being willing to give a sincere apology when you have caused a hurt to someone. It is giving forgiveness to other, even if they don’t apologize. It is asking yourself, Did I do any good today? Did I make a difference? Being real and genuine, you will always, make a difference to someone.

I am blessed with many friends who love this country so much that they are willing to serve in our military. I am in awe of their families who support them as they do this dangerous work. (Without a lot of people saying Thank you, may I add) I hope and pray that some day one of my children will be attending one of our military academies. It is one of my biggest regrets that I have because of being overweight and obese most of my life is that I was unable to serve my country in the U.S. Military. We all have the ability to serve and support those who make this country great.

True Angie, Always Smiling

One of the people I know who has made this Country Great without serving in the Military is Angie Bigler Allen; she passed away yesterday June 30, 2011 after a fight with Breast Cancer. Angie was a type of person who would smile at you, ask how you were doing, got to know her neighbors, and served her husband and kids. Always with a positive attitude and smile. A friend of Angie’s posted this quote on her husband’s Facebook Wall; Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sing with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived . . . this is to have succeeded." Angie is a success! This is so true of Angie.

We all can be a success if we want to, we all can make this a better world for ourselves, our children, and future generations. It is as simple as doing 1 nice thing today for someone that doesn’t expect it. In that you find True Freedom, In that you honor those who have sacrificed for this wonderful country!            

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!