Dedicated to those who can’t be caged!

Veteran’s Day is the perfect time to reflect on freedom.

I believe in the American Dream and am proud to live in a country that was founded on the principles of independence.  I am grateful for those who have sacrificed to protect our freedom.  In fact, the military men and women enlisting today understand that there is a good chance they could pay the ultimate sacrifice.

I enlisted as a reservist in the United States Air Force after graduating high school.  In 1988 America was not in war and had no prospects of war.  It was an adventure, an ironic choice for an individual who bucks authority.  Lucky for me, I met Jeff in tech school.  We enlisted a few weeks apart and became fast friends.  My Mom says I enlisted in the Air Force to find him.

Funny side note:  Jeff remembers whistling “Don’t worry be happy” when he got off the bus at boot camp.  I knew I loved him from the very beginning.

Within a year we were married.  The military was a good choice, until the first Desert Storm.  I faced potential deployment orders and being forced to leave our newborn daughter Emily.  Miraculously, I was speared and was granted an honorable discharge after the conflict ended.  Jeff thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Air Force and served for a total of seven years.

I’m clearly not a hero.  As much as I love to encourage the pursuit of dreams at Flown The Coop, it is the brave military men and women who should get the credit for being dedicated to those who can’t be caged.

Personal Freedom

I think of freedom in terms of cultivating an authentic life on my own terms.

I love the idea of flying free!  I am drawn to birds, except bats.  I hate bats.  I often wondered why birds symbolize freedom?  Is it their ability to roam free?  Birds seem to embody strength, and yet fly with a lighthearted spirit.

It wasn’t until I came across a well known Bible verse that it finally clicked for me.  According to Matthew 6:25-27 birds don’t worry.  It goes on to state, “who can add a single hour to life by worrying?”  That explains my love for birds!  I want to be free of worry.

I long to fly free!  I want to escape the cage of worry, cultivate trust and soar with wings as eagles!  I understand that putting an end to worry it is easier said than done.  It requires persistence.  It demands boldness to step into dreams and hope for the future.  I’ve learned it also means learning from past mistakes.  Freedom is a state of mind.  Especially when you realize the cage is open and it’s your choice to be free of it.

When it gets hard whistle, “Don’t worry, be happy!”  See what happens.

What is your definition of freedom?

By definition freedom is a thing.  It is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.  My personal freedom is pursing an authentic life without worry.

What does your personal freedom look like?  

Veteran’s Day is the perfect opportunity to ponder what freedom means.  I am grateful to those who have paved the way for me to fly in the direction of my dreams.  Our veterans past and present deserve our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice.

Thankfully I’ve Flown The Coop,

~Tiffany

And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!