Today, we are celebrating Independence Day in the US. This time of year, I generally think about freedom and what it means to me.
There is still much inequality in the world impacting people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, economic status, etc. While we have made much progress, we still have a long way to go. One of my daily practices is to spend some time identifying 3 things that I'm grateful for. In reviewing my gratitude lists I'm reminded of the saying, "to whom much is given, much is required." So as we've passed the mid-year mark for 2021, I've decided to focus on how I can be a blessing to others across all areas of my life - in my family for the elder and younger generations; at my place of employment for my team members, clients and co-workers; in my communities both far and near; and for the well-being of groups I am passionate about advocating for - children and physicians. The past year has been challenging for many of us. Personally, there have been multiple painful losses of loved ones, most recently my beloved brother...the closest loss I've had in my life thus far. As I think about our relationship and the ways in which he showed up in the world, I have become aware of several important reminders:
Seasons of life. I've been in the season of loss for longer than I'm comfortable and yet, the life events offered have helped me to become clearer on the life I truly want to be living. It's made me appreciate the things that I sometimes take for granted. And so now I get to exercise my freedom to live life on my terms. I have the option to create the life I want to be living by summoning the courage to make the changes necessary to make it happen. I am taking responsibility for the life I have and the life I want to live. And it includes learning how to be more of a blessing in the lives of others. How about you? What season are you in? What's stopping you from exercising your own personal freedom and living the life you truly want to be living? Send me a quick note to let me know, michelle@drmichellebailey.com.
4 Comments
Debra Faison
7/4/2021 10:02:03 pm
This was beautiful and really made me think of the season I'm in now and the things I should be doing. Thank you for sharing these thoughts.
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7/11/2021 05:04:41 pm
Debra, thank you for the positive feedback. I'm glad to hear that you found value in the article.
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Isabel G.
7/5/2021 09:25:20 pm
Thanks for sharing this, Michelle. Yes, it's been a season for loss -- and when it's contemporaries we're losing, as I am, that makes it especially hard. And, yes, I am also filled with gratitude for the many blessings I have the good fortune to enjoy -- my husband and children, a deep ocean of friends, health, and well-being. I continue to be challenged -- and engaged -- by the fact that there are too many of us who don't share the good fortunes I have been lucky to have in my life. Being actively involved in efforts that might result in equitable access to peace and safety and health for all people remains an important of this season of my life, too. I send you love.
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7/11/2021 05:08:53 pm
Isabel, thank you for sharing the season that you're in and the efforts you're taking to support equity for greater numbers of people. Metta is becoming an important practice for me when I see others' suffering. It has provided some measure of comfort to turn to the things I have control over. Love received and I'm sending much love back to you.
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