Freedom to do what?

Hi all. Its Memorial day, a day set aside to honor our armed forces. For most of us its a 3 day weekend to go to BBQ's, the beach or what have you. Which is fine, as we all need to decompress and its good to be away from work now and again.

But I got to thinking, many people say we should take a moment to remember all who have served or are serving, and those who gave their lives to preserve our freedom, or our way of life. But honestly, what are we doing with that freedom?

Do we celebrate our freedoms by going out and living each day to its fullest? Or punch into that sex and the city marathon with a pint of ben and jerry's and a pizza? Enjoy a day with our families, some of which see us a couple of hours a day and on weekends? Or is dinner out of a bucket or from a drive-thru?

If you take a minute to think about what it might be like for a Marine, Navy Seal or Army warrior, either in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere in the world away from their home, knowing that they could be killed today, far away from the comforts that we all enjoy. Now you need to put aside your politics, and your anti-war position, as I think that most people would agree (including the above mentioned warriors) that war is not on their top ten list of things to do. But they are there, performing in ways that most of us(myself included) can't fathom.

So what is your way of appreciating that hard won freedom? Will you fritter it away doing mindless, wasteful activities or will you make your life matter? It can be anything you know? Yes, exercising and eating right are amazing ways to make the most of your existance, but it doesnt stop there. Connect with people who you havent spoken to in forever, volunteer at a senior center or a soup kitchen( dont wait for a holiday to do it). Get out and have a catch with your kid, and listen to what they have to say Mom and Dad.

This probably sounds like a lecture, and I guess in a way it is. (Dont worry I promise I wont do alot of these) I have a friend whose brother is coming home minus a leg, and I dont think either of them would have alot of dilemmas on what they would do from here on in. We have a great opportunity to make our lives awesome, and in that way, honor these incredible men and women.

PS. This blog owes alot to Martin Rooney, a world-class trainer and human being, as he is a huge inspiration. Thanks Martin for everything.

Shameless self promotion- Im off the DL and back to work. Look forward to seeing YOU(YES YOU) at 79th and shore parkway in Brooklyn for the Bad Ass Academy Training Class at 730. And sign up for the Bad Ass Brooklyn Run.

Have an amazing week everyone.