Red, White, and Do by Christine DePetrillo

On this Fourth of July, let's remember the brave colonists who risked being hung for treason by standing up for what they believed in - freedom. Underdogs in every sense of the word, these folks saw something they didn't think was fair and instead of whining and complaining about the injustice of it all, they united and rose up against a powerful country in the name of liberty. It is because of their passion, their enthusiasm for their cause, their drive for independence that we have the United States of America today.

I like to think of America as a nation of doers. We do stuff here. We get things done. The political climate of the present day gets me down from time to time (more often lately), but I remain hopeful that we'll continue to be doers. We'll raise more doers. We'll move forward. We'll reach new levels of achievement. We'll protect those unalienable rights Thomas Jefferson outlined in the Declaration of Independence - life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Because if we're not happy, what's the point?

The colonists were not happy and they did something about it. Something globe changing. Life altering. Being happy is top concern. Happiness brings so many rewards and seeking it should be our main objective.

Always.

If you're not happy right now, take this Fourth of July to free yourself. Define what would make you happy. Plan steps to capture that happiness.

Then go out there and... DO.

Enjoy your Independence Day!

Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com 

Happy 4th of July!

"It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."  ~John Adams

Nothing says summer like the fourth of July, especially in New England, comprised of states that were there “at the beginning” of the United States of America. I’m always amazed when I think about my country’s origins. It was built by brave folks who, despite the odds, fought for what they believed in.

I often wonder what George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John and Samuel Adams, and Thomas Jefferson would think of the nation today. Would they be impressed by our progress? Would they approve of what we’ve done with independence?

Would their hearts break over the injustices that exist amidst the freedom they helped win for us?

I’d be willing to bet they’d give us a thumbs up on some things and a thumbs down on others. What words of wisdom would they share with us? What changes would they make? Would they be willing to fight for the nation as it stands today?

Simply watching the news or surfing the web reveals all of the problems the United States faces on a regular basis. Financial woes. Environmental crises. Racism. Violence. Drugs. I have to believe, however, that for every negative, something positive is also happening in the country. Someone is working on solving problems. Someone is finding solutions. Someone is keeping the fight going.

Because freedom is not automatic.

It needs continual defense. It needs people who understand its value. It needs people willing to do whatever it takes. It needs unity.

So today, don’t consider yourself Italian or Irish or French or Portuguese or whatever your heritage involves.

Instead, be American.

Be American and remember the sacrifices that have been made and will continue to be made in the name of liberty.

Toodles,

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

The Maple Leaf Series, available now. Book One, More Than Pancakes, is always FREE in ebook.