Living Freely …

Greetings readers! The month of July is all about the celebration of freedom and independence while honoring those that willfully paid the price to purchase the precious jewel of freedom (which is not free) for you and me. And with that, I would love for you to join me in expressing heartfelt gratitude to the men and women that have served us, and those that continue to serve us, for freedom’s sake. The dictionary defines freedom as “the power or right to act, speak or think as one wants without hindrance.” Likewise, it continues to greatly expand and underscore the definition with these life-altering words: “The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.”

These words are true. However, it is my belief that freedom must by wisely attended by responsibility, a sense of courage, and right choices. The late American writer William Faulkner once said, “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” And do we? When most people hear or ponder the word freedom, the first thought that usually comes to mind is the cultural struggle over the very soul and fabric of a nation or country—a battle for equality, fairness and mutual respect. And, without question, all of these are absolutely critical aspects of freedom.

But I want to take a different approach by asking YOU the question, “Are you free?” I mean really think about it. Sadly, many are not. I’m not referring to being locked behind physical bars or pinned down by heavy chains. I’m talking about the invisible (yet just as formidable) chains of emotional scars of the past; doubts and fears concerning what the future holds; and the inability to make smart, life-guiding decisions today that lead you to the right place tomorrow. Readers … I’m talking about the courage to fight and win freedom for the mind, body, soul and spirit.

This month’s editorial theme is Food as Medicine, with Better Sleep as a subtheme. And there is much to unpack in the pages ahead. The sobering fact is that many of us suffer greatly as a result of lifestyle choices that often lead to unhealthy eating habits, debilitating sleep disorders, and merciless addictions, which imprison the mind, enslave the body, and chain one’s spirit. As they say, “The statistics don’t lie.”

So, I say to you … read on! Together, let’s predetermine and sojourn to find the jewels of independence and freedom hidden within the following pages. It’s no secret: right foods, right choices, right thinking, and right living are the keys to winning the war!

Living freely, 

Annette Briggs