I want to be clear: I am not making a political statement.

I am working on a #100daychallenge2020 using Art Journaling as a self-care measure and expression. This project is a way of keeping consistency during this time of Social Distancing, stress/anxiety relief, letting my experience of Art Lab Classes continue through trying new things, and letting the Art take me where it wants to.

So, on Thursday, I took a piece of an old book (bought at a library book sale) and I made it into something new by seeing what words “spoke” to me. The funny thing about this day’s project is this: the page is taken from a gardening book about different types of flora and fauna from an English garden. Yet from this gardening page came a sense of patriotic pride I didn’t even know I was feeling.

The words that popped out too me were: exquisite, kingdom, It’s name is America, the great. From these words the art took me to a place of honoring the ideas and beliefs our country was founded on: land of the Brave, home of Freedom, land of opportunity (which can lead to success).

Though this is not a Right vs. Left point if view piece, found myself feeling afraid of how others would view and judge it. I was afraid that others would SEE it as a statement of one view or the other. This made me realize that I needed to put it out there. I needed to share my feelings about it… and let others do the same however they need and want to.

I believe these statements to be true of America:

• America IS Land of the Brave
• America IS Home of Freedom
• America IS the place where Successes ride on the tails of opportunities taken

Is America perfect? No. Are Americans the best people? Not always. Like any country, anywhere in the world, we have our flaws and our strengths, our great people/great minds, and our evil people/dirty minds.

I’m not casting aspersions on any other country. You may live in another country, and hopefully YOU are proud to be a citizen THERE. I hope that where-ever you live, you are proud to be a part of that country and community.

I’m not a proud of every American, I am proud to BE American. I’m grateful that I was born in a country founded on autonomy and freedom. Where we can be who we choose, and let others do the same. Where differences of opinion are allowed, if not necessarily accepted. A country where individuals have the freedom to take opportunities, or not. No one must stay where they start, nor does the government tell you who you are or what you must be.

Don’t miss understand, I am not saying everyone here lives their best life here. My own life has had its share of personal tragedy and setbacks, but I have a good life. I am not a millionaire. I’m not a captain of industry.

Even now… during quarantine and having sustained a severe second degree burn a week ago today that is driving me crazy, I am happy.

I have a good life:

• I have a husband who loves and supports me
• I have a daughter I love, who has far greater goals than I could ever have imagined for her or myself- and nothing stopping her from achieving them!
• I have a home
• I have a working car
• I have plenty of food and clothes for my comfort
• I have a job that challenges me
• I have interests that I participate in

When I look at this list, I realize how grateful I am to be where I am. I’m not Rich or powerful. Then again, those were never my goals.

My life goals were to have a home, have a family, have a job where I help people. I have these things. Do I have everything I want? Heck, No. That’s what goals are for. To keep me striving, learning, growing!

In closing, this journal piece represents to me: opportunity, freedom, and bravery. The things I am always striving for❤️.

#possibilities #openandbrave