This past weekend marked the 250th year since the signing of the document that declared independence, the document that stated, for all the world, that the Laws of Nature afford all (wo)men certain unalienable rights— among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It’s a proud moment in US history where both everyday folks and community leaders come together to declare enough is enough, we are staking our claim.
We are free.
On the Fourth of July for the last few years, I read my family the Declaration of Independence. If you either haven’t read it, or it’s been a while, between the initial declaration and the final iteration is a middle section solely dedicated to complaints against the British Crown. Taxation without representation, unfair trials, housing soldiers without consent were some of the chief offenses.
The book I have also includes a copy of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Written a year before the Declaration, Common Sense is a rallying cry for all Americans to choose freedom and declare independence from England. It was a hard thing for folks to swallow: to anger the King of England and face his wrath would impact their daily lives, and they knew it.
But they believed in a better future.
Every time I read these documents, I’m struck by the incredible bravery and intense change that the people of these times went through. It required them to completely upend all that they knew, and forge something totally new.
I mean, sometimes I feel like changing what toilet paper I use is a big deal, or reorganizing my garden, or tackling the latest home project, and these guys were out there forging a country.
It’s comforting to know that each generation has its trials and tribulations, that the only constant is change, and that we, in this moment, are taking our turn at the wheel of time, forging not just our futures, but the futures of all who come after us.
I’d love to know what you’re dreaming of in your future. Hit reply and let me know. I read ‘em all.
Big hugs,
Quote I'm pondering
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
— Henry Miller
What I'm Watching
Secrets of the Bees with Bertie Gregory
Uncovering the life of bees inside the hive, Bertie Gregory travels the globe looking at not just honey bees but other pollinators and the critical importance they play.
My favorite? The broomstick bee. Who knew a nature documentary about insects could make you gasp in disbelief and laugh out loud. The whole family enjoyed this one, highly recommend. We watched on Disney+.
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