Brave Enough To Be Bliss

I wanted to share this because as an American it can be so easy to take our freedoms for granted. For many of us, we haven't experienced anything different so it's hard for us to imagine how it would feel to have these freedoms taken away. It ’ s scary to even think about that as a possibility and it's even scarier to think about how it would feel to have a mother or father, son or daughter, husband or wife who we are separated from during training or deployments or who might die protecting these freedoms. It's natural for our brains to avoid those thoughts. But every time we allow our brains to push away those thoughts, we push away the opportunity to reach out and connect with someone who is serving today or a family member of someone who has died defending these freedoms. The Servicemen and women may not ask for or expect recognition for their service until after they leave, but they deserve it each and every day. And we would benefit as human beings by being brave enough to say something like, "I can't do what you do, but I sure am grateful you are willing to. I appreciate your sacrifice and thank you for your service."

Don't look away...pause, reflect and remember. Lest we forget.

Pause Reflect Remember Lest We Forget (youtube.com)

Kylee marrying into a military family has given me more exposure to and an even greater admiration for all who serve and have served. It is also what gave me the perspective I shared on that LinkedIn post, realizing that it’s more likely about fear than lack of appreciation for those in the military. I’ve only lived in the United States, so I don’t know what it’s like in other countries, but I believe many Americans do everything we can to run away from pain and fear. So even when we have the opportunity to learn more about the military, those of us who haven’t served tend to shy away from the

topic because it makes us scared on many levels. Fear for those who serve, fear of the pain those who have lost loved ones must feel, fear of the fear loved ones must feel daily for those who serve, fear of terrorism, fear of war, and the list could go on and on.

But once we realize it is only our brains trying to protect us from potential pain, we can tell ourselves: it’s OK, we’re safe thanks to them. We can acknowledge and appreciate those who face their fears on the daily.

“I understand now that I’m not a mess but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often, I say, ‘ For the same reason I laugh so often – because I’m paying attention.’” Glennon Doyle Melton When I read the book Fearless by Eric Blehm, I felt it was one every American would benefit from reading. While the book is based around his military experience, it is really just the story of a human being who served in the military and his life experiences. It is beautifully written, and it is the first book where I literally cried at the end. But as the tears fell, I was unsure if it was because it was sad or if it was because I just didn’t want the story to end. Because even though I was crying, it felt so hopeful, encouraging, and inspiring. If I were forced to pick one book as an all-time favorite, that would be it. I had no idea books could have a trailer, but I found this and share below to pique your interest in reading it. Regardless of your feelings about the military or government, I am certain you will learn lessons about being more human from reading it. And when we are more human, we are better able to see how fear drives our perspectives on many of the things we so adamantly

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