So many of us have lived our lives placing unmerited value on the opinions of others while discrediting our personal truth and reality. Breaking the shackles of people-pleasing requires honest self-appraisal, a healthy dose of self-esteem, and an enormous commitment to self-realization.
….as near as the destination may be, it’s still the journey that matters….
“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” MARK TWAIN
GOD, GUNS, COUNTRY – I am moved to waves of nausea when I see this political sign in my neighbor’s front yard. It does not matter which political affiliation is being endorsed. How on earth can anyone associate God with guns with country? Truly, if there is a rational answer, I do not see it.
I overheard while entering the grocery store, one of three first responders shopping for lunch say, “I’m not wearing any damned mask.” Okay, you could say he was exercising his freedom, his 1st Amendment rights. But is that a right if it infringes on the rights of the other shoppers who want to walk through the aisles safely with a modicum of protection from covid-19? That fireman’s declaration of his freedoms is more accurately defined as ‘license’, a motivation driven by ego and self-centeredness. Not a good thing, not necessarily a bad thing, but let’s not confuse freedom and license.
Nationalism is part of our political conversation these days. Again, good or bad? I am proud of my country’s people, of the diversity which melds us into one great society advocating justice and equality for all. I love my country when it humbly takes its place as one nation among a multitude of other nations recognizing its virtues along with its sins. On the other hand, I shudder when I hear, “America, love it or leave it,” “America first,” “my country, right or wrong.”
……and I still get nauseated when I have to look at my neighbor’s political sign, “God, guns, country.” I suppose there are some things that are not meant for me to understand.
lpb quest - the twilight dance 
Hi, Larry! Thanks for this insightful post. Indeed, freedom and license are often confused. I’m also repelled by your neighbor’s sign and the values it espouses. There are probably people in my neighborhood who feel the same way, but luckily, in this instance at least, our HOA prohibits signs. Is that an infringement on our freedom of expression? But when you buy a condo here, you agree to the HOA rules.
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Thanks. Timi, for the visit. I think I will take an alternate route to the PO just so I don’t have to see his sign. 🤪🤪
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A wise move, Larry!
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I’m with you; those three things on that sign do NOT belong together.
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Yeah, makes me want to confront him but he probably has a stash of guns inside stacked atop his Bibles laying on an American flag…or worse yet, a collection of MAGA hats. 🤪 Sometimes it’s best to just smile and go on. “Can’t fix stupid.”
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