Happy Birthday, America!

To all my fellow American beez in peez, Happy Independence Day!  True, it is argued by historians that this is not the exact day we decided to free ourselves from British rule…but it’s close enough.

Just a side note; Imagine how crazy that sounded to everyone?  We are freeing ourselves from the king.  We will no longer be part of this.  Yes, we are willing to trade our lives in search of freedom.

Crazy huh?  Personally, I think it is awesome!  Celebrations tell me most of us do.

Think about it….every idea that we accept now was made possible by the decision of these few men.  They had a goal, and did not waver in the face of defeat.  The whole basis of our beloved country was founded on what most people thought was ‘pure insanity’ and basically, a stupid idea.

These guys were true warriors.  No, not some cage fighting, tight t shirt wearing, smack talking, tap out junkie, warrior….real true warriors- willing to give up family life, comfort, and even their own physical lives to fight for a country that had not even been born yet. Poorly armed, and very little training was the norm.  They faced huge armies of highly trained soldiers, equipped with advanced weapons.

If you fought for this country back then, you probably had your brother…or even father, right at your side fighting too.  Slaves, yes, slaves….fought besides their ‘masters’.  Given the circumstances, you would find it tough to place a gun in the hands of a slave, next to a slave owner…but all lives were equal.  Everyone fought for freedom.

Food shortage, makeshift shelters, long days, and endless nights…filled with anxiety and fear.  These men fought for what we now take for granted.  No radio contact, no advanced weapon systems.  Just good ol fashion metal balls being fired out of a musket, powered by gun powder.  Dodging huge cannon balls, some ripping thru entire bodies.  They had to hold off huge armies, fighting from a small camp filled with tents made from sheets and small fires creating a little warmth.  Knowing more ships were on they way, filled with even more redcoats…and more cannon balls.

Soldiers were common citizens, shop owners, farmers, and kids.  There was no technology;  just determination and a fight. No advanced training or medicine.  Infections and cold killed many freedom seekers.  There would be no USA if not for these selfless acts.

The Rebel Forces…true American heroes.

Let us fast forward…. If your cell phone isn’t connecting like it should, you can’t get your iPod to hold more than 999 songs, your car is making a weird noise, someone messed up your drink at Starbucks…and we all lose our shit!  It ruins your day….you’re in a bad mood and everyone needs to know your I-phone isn’t working well with the current apps that have been put out.  You need a Mercedes because the BMW doesn’t run like it should (mostly because you didn’t take care of it) and your latte doesn’t have enough caramel syrup.  You’re on 2 new prescriptions that have you feeling jittery, the last 3 diets haven’t worked, and your boss is on your ass.  On top of all that, you’re just too busy to be concerned with why and how you got here.  No admiration, no concern, just a healthy dose of self stress caused by self entitlement.

Just a couple centuries ago these guys were dodging 25lb metal balls being shot from ships…traveling faster than light, and traveling well over a mile in distance.  If you had been shot in the leg, it was usually cut off…if that didn’t work- you died.  There was no chopper to come rescue you and then present you with the purple heart.

This country was made possible by true warriors.  Selfless, brave, and relentless.  We whine about the internet being too slow.

Fast food drive thrus, and instant everythings have made this nation into a place filled with fat, lazy, and selfish people.  Unwilling to do work, unless it is outlined in their daily duties…from their carpeted box…aka the cubicle.  Athletes competing are now called warriors.  Names such as Hancock, or Edison are simply ‘company names’ to most people…completely oblivious to the true meanings.  Self entitlement runs deep.  Generations of immigrants have filled this great land with diversity…your grandparents risked their lives to give you a better future- and all you care about is your PS3 not working.  WTF?!

Or maybe your family lived here all along…but when the 4th of July rolls around, or even Memorial Day…all you can think about is a day off, some beer, and hot BBQ cranking out some tasty food.  “Whoohoo, happy 4th everyone!” is the phrase repeated over and over.  For some reason, BBQing is expected…but showing no admiration to the true warriors of this land is perfectly fine.  How about, hey- thanks guys for having some balls and standing up for what was right…and sacrificing all that you knew for a better future for your country.  We appreciate not having that annoying accent too.  (no offense anyone)

So, just at least this time…you can say a quick thanks to our true founding countrymen.  No matter what is going on now, like it or not…good times or bad…we have to appreciate what these men did.

In fitness, goals, and overall life…we need to be REAL warriors.

Let us stop complaining about what we don’t have.  We need to seek ways to work, instead of ways to complain about what doesn’t.  It doesn’t matter what was, or has or is happening…you still have the rest of your life to make it better.  Demand to be better than average!  Fear is your taxation without representation….demand your FREEDOM!

You can’t always ‘go with the flow’ and expect to be the best you can…create your own path.  Take the time to understand who you are, and what your goals mean.  Declare your own personal war on whatever it is holding you back from realizing them- demand your freedom.

Have a great 4th of July, and an awesome INDEPENDENCE DAY!  And be proud to know what it is to be an American.

-Mike.

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