“The pathway to freedom is initially shocking (as you first confront what you now need to do), bumpy and messy (as you start to take care of those things), and finally easy and graceful (as you begin taking on life in a new clearing of authenticity and power).” - Gary John Bishop
Freedom isn’t free, as it is often said.
It’s shocking, bumpy, and messy.
It takes a paradoxical degree of sacrifice and self-reliance.
Taking full responsibility for one’s own life and circumstances often requires hard looks in the mirror and a few slices of humble pie.
But we Americans wouldn’t have it any other way.
At least for those who align with the fundamental American value of freedom.
Independence Day inspired me to look up American values, which don’t seem to be discussed much these days.
Freedom certainly comes to mind first. Here are a few more:
Equality, Justice, Work Ethic, Individualism, Directness, Personal Achievement, Optimism, Competition, Materialism, Democracy, Community
It seems to me that while these values aren’t completely absent from the American way of life, the way they are communicated and interacted with are vastly different than when they were originally shaping what would become the most powerful nation on Earth.
Power Acronym 185: F.R.E.E.
Face Responsibility, Engage, Expand
Face Responsibility: Embrace accountability and take ownership of your actions.
Engage: Actively participate in your community and the democratic process.
Expand: Pursue growth and innovation, both personally and professionally.
I think in the middle of an election year, it’s important to reflect on these American cultural values and imagine what they mean outside modern political theater.
What do they mean to you and your family?
What do they mean at work?
What do they mean for your local community?
How can you contribute to a fellow American so they might realize the American Dream?
Be F.R.E.E.
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Daily acronyms to encourage, enrich, and empower.
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