This day means a lot of different things to different people.  There’s so many wonderful ways to celebrate.  Let’s talk about traditional celebrations to start….

Something I won’t see this year….

BTW:  There won’t be any fireworks in Colorado this year… and I speak for all the Coloradoans when I say, I’m perfectly fine with that.  There’s too much fire devastation going on here.  To all my neighbors if you follow one rule this year, please follow this one.

We also have to think of these guys…

I also can’t help but think of all the men and women that fight for our freedom on 4th of July.  They do so much to keep us safe every day and to make the world a better place.  Thank you to each and every one of you who put your life at risk to make sure that mine is not in danger.

Happy Birthday, America.  You look SO good at 236 years old, and I have faith that you’re going to continue to get better with age.  So beautiful.

Another Guy that I think of on the 4th of July is this one… he’s exactly 230 years younger than you, America.  I just love him to pieces.

Happy Birthday to the Small Boy! My handsome nephew is turning 6 today!

Overall, I like to equate independence day with celebrating life, celebrating summer, and celebrating this fantastic country we live in.  Ironically, I used to also associate it with eating a burger and a hot dog, a heaping pile of pasta salad, and whatever dessert I could get my hands on.

Now, I associate this day with treats that look more like this. (Source)

Today, I’ll spend my morning at another Spin/Yoga class, celebrating my FREEDOM from 79 lbs that I used to carry on my frame.  Despite being in pain for 3 days, I’m going back again for some additional sweating because I am FREE to choose to do so.

February 2006 – Meeting Hayden

Oh, if you were to say that I would have been heading to a spin class on a holiday, I can honestly say I would have laughed at you.  See, at this time last year, I was still sedentary and trying to avoid working out by all means.  The last thing I would have done was to wake up at dawn to get to a workout class.  That‘s too early for this girl on a day off, I would have said.  Since the light bulb went off though, it’s all changed.

If you haven’t yet made the decision to get healthy… I ask WHY!??!?

January 2009 – Las Vegas

If I had known then that I would feel as amazing as I do now, I may have started this journey sooner.  I would have started eating right and working out sooner.  I would have started putting me first more often… and honoring my body sooner.

This year, I can’t help but celebrate my independence from my previously unhealthy life.  It’s one of my most prized possessions and it deserves a day in its honor.  For me, it’s November 1, 2010 which was my first day on Jenny Craig… but yours could be today.

So, you eat a lot of fast food.  So, you’re 20-100 pounds overweight.  So, you have a family that likes to eat junk food.  So, you’ve been on every diet and have had minimal success. So, you think it sounds hard.

Honestly, so what.

December 2011 – Family Christmas

My challenge to you is to celebrate today as YOUR Independence Day:  the day you decided to free yourself from your food demons and your weight loss barriers.  I can’t promise that it will be easy, but I can promise you that you will never EVER regret making the decision to head down this path, making better choices, or going to the gym for 30 minutes.

Today is a day for us to honor those that give their lives for our freedom.  If they’re willing to do all of that, don’t you think you need to fight equally hard for yourself and your health?

June 2012 – Las Vegas

Think about it.  If you’re not convinced, revisit it later today.  I promise you, you’re worth it.  Trust me… it’s worth it.

Please know that I don’t say what I say here to be harsh; instead, I say it because I want you to feel wonderful, to have good health, and to conquer obesity.

I’m not the only one celebrating my independence today.  My current independence is from the 79 lbs. I used to carry around every day.  How many pounds are you FREE from today and do you ever regret declaring YOUR INDEPENDENCE?

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