Freedoms, Flags, & the Fourth

No, I'm not bellowing "Braveheart's" iconic sound byte: "Freeeeeeeeedom!"

But, that being said, the 4th of July is upon us, and it brings about thoughts of our freedoms.

It's been a week and change here in the grand ole U.S. of A. A week+ OF change!  "Freedom" has taken new heights.  Unless you have been living under a rock the last 7--10 days, the Supreme Court has aok'ed and authorized gay marriage in all 50 of the United States.  Rainbow flags are a-flying.  As they should be.  Let's vote in honor of "happy."  ALL people are entitled to the right to be happy! We all deserve to be happy, especially as life is hard enough.

There's also the counter-flags, the ones that are NOT a-flying. The move to bring down the Confederate flags in the aftermath of the Charleston church massacre is a good one.  President Obama excelled as an orator during his eulogy at Rev. Clementa Pickney's funeral.

"It's true, the flag did not cause these murders... but we all have to acknowledge the flag has always represented more than just ancestral pride. For many, black and white, that flag was a reminder of systemic oppression and racial subjugation. We see that now....By taking down that flag, we express God's grace." ~Pres. Obama

There's even the new freedom to take pics at the White House.

Then, there's the "green" flag that was flown symbolically by way of The Pope's Encyclical!!  Way to go, Pope Francis, defender of our planet!

Yes, freedoms abound.  
And with that comes responsibility.

As a long-time liberal, I have always been in favor of "happy." I see the "freedom of happy" as extensive.  I think of conversations I've had with people who feel others "should" & "could" be doing things differently--for reason A, B, C, X, Y, Z. Given the very recent history of the US, it causes me to ponder: "Why do we all care what others are doing or what others are caring about?  Does it matter to us?"

The answer is no--others' lives are theirs. Our business is ours.  

We all have the right to be free, to go forth, and to...

• love one another,
• love ourselves,
• help our planet,
• refuse,
• reduce,
• reuse,
• recycle,
• take responsibility,
• take action,
• make a move, 
• make a motion,
• fight for what we believe in,
• share what's good,
• not get sucked into the vortex,
• turn on our minds,
• turn off the social media influences,
• fill ourselves with the power of good versus the power of evil,
• make healthy choices,
• share our messages,
• pursue happiness,
• take part in incremental change,
• learn something new,
• be true to our friends, family, and selves,
• be innovative, be creative, be inspiring, and be connected.

This 4th....go forth & be happy.  

Embrace love, embrace each other, embrace what surrounds you.  

What makes you happy, and what freedoms inspire you?!

Freedom Wordle:  http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-freedom-word-cloud-image13269107 ;  flags: http://www.truthrevolt.org/sites/default/files/styles/content_full_width/public/field/image/articles/gay_marriage_81102178.jpg?itok=67iw93y3; freedom & happiness: http://www.liveluvcreate.com/image/freedom_and_happiness-290909.html, Sparkler heart: http://4theloveofyoga.com/yoga-sequences/4th-of-july-freedom-yoga-flow-celebrate-being-free/