"Appreciation" and its "Independence"

What does "Appreciation" really mean? It's the recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something. Or the 'full understanding of a situation"!

We all use this word when someone has done something nice for us. We graciously say, "thanks, I appreciate that." We know about the value, admiration, respect or treasuring of the meaning, But . . . what about the "appreciation of a situation"? The knowledge, awareness or comprehension of what life has put in front of us?

So my question for this day of celebrating our "Independence" is this . . . "Do we appreciate enough in life?" "Do we really understand the magnitude of what life has given us?"

I think not! . . . Some are not appreciating our freedom, our history, our defenders of our rights, our family or our elderly. Somehow, somewhere some in our country have lost their "respect" for who has made us the great country that we are. Our history and our forefathers are what built this land and it deeply saddens me to see our history destroyed and our elderly abused and cast aside like an old shoe that doesn't matter anymore.

So why has this great country lost its "appreciation" for life and its "appreciation" of its people?

"Freedom is the American Dream". Or . . . at least it was. Ever since our brave forefathers declared America's "independence" . . . the U.S. has been a beacon of "Liberty", "Hope" and "Opportunity" . . . and that's because our forefathers "trusted" free people, free speech and free markets.

So what the "Hell" happened?????

John F. Kennedy one said, "The great revolution in the history of man, past, present and future, is the revolution of those determined to be FREE"!

And Nelson Mandela ones said, "There is no easy walk to "freedom" anywhere and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires".

We spoke about "Validation" and "Vulnerability" a few weeks ago. And how we must pull "positive" from our "vulnerability" to secure mankind. These are very powerful emotions, but the greatest emotion of all is "Gratitude"!!!!

You see . . . to "Appreciate" in life . . . you must first be "Grateful"!

"Gratitude" is a thankful "appreciation" for what an individual receives.

Today is the day that we celebrate our "Independence". And today is the day that we need to show our "appreciation" and "gratitude" of life.

Patriotism allows a nation to take pride of its country's past, present and future achievements. When we feel patriotic about our country, we are better equipped to stand strong against the differences that demean what our country stands for like "Liberty", "Hope" and "Opportunity"!

So today . . . for me . . . it's about "Appreciating" and being "Grateful" for family, friends, the life I've been blessed with, for the men and women that have secured our safety past, present and future, and for the opportunity to be part of this great country.

So my question still stands . . . Do we "Appreciate" enough in life?

In closing today . . . I'll leave you with this thought . . . on September 17th, 1796 . . . George Washington "Father of His Country", presented his Farewell Address . . . warning the American people that our "Independence", peace at home and abroad, safety, prosperity and liberty are all dependent upon "Unity" among the states and people.!.

So I wish you all a safe and happy 4th of July! And as we remember our national heroes today, let's renew our "pledge" to always uphold our national "unity" so we can live together in peace and harmony.

Hugs and kisses to all. Stay safe and above all else . . . be "GRATEFUL" . . . that you woke today with the "PRIVILEGE" "NOT" THE "RIGHT" TO BE FREE!