Cinnamon Rolls on the Fourth of July

Let freedom ring.

I’m of the opinion that we should celebrate our freedom much more than once a year, but on America’s birthday, it couldn’t be a better day to revel in the beauty of living in a time and place where, despite the best efforts of some, you are free. Not free to live someone else’s version of a good life—free to live the life that only you could ever live.

Just some ideas to help you get started…

Say no.
Quit your job.
Try the hottest pepper.
Wear the bikini.
Cut your hair.
Start a book club.
Laugh, even if you snort.
Move across the country.
Move across the planet.
Move your body.
Learn to love your body now.
Order escargot.
Ask him out.
Book that flight.
Go to church.
Go to therapy.
Befriend someone you disagree with.
Dress in drag.
Sing karaoke.
Breastfeed.
Don’t breastfeed.
Read banned books.
Listen to the new Jason Mraz album.
Vote.
Join a dating app.
Delete all dating apps.
Say yes.
Learn something you should have learned years ago.
Go to the pool alone.
Change your mind.
Refuse your creative service to unkind people (and be thankful for the right to do that).
Drop out.
Come out.
Make cinnamon rolls on the 4th of July
Wear your hair curly.
Tell her this isn’t working.
Ask the questions you’re afraid to ask.
Try mushrooms.
Be so thankful.
Cry.
Start writing that book.
Get a massage.
Learn from someone different from you.
Learn that we really aren’t very different.
Learn what you like.
Tell him what you like.
Take a mental health day.
Discover that you were never broken.
Sing on the way to work.
Accept the compliment.
Listen to your child.
Learn from children.
Flirt.
Get a tattoo.
Not that tattoo.
Be generous.
Be the one they’ll come to when they’re too afraid to go to anyone else.
Ask for a raise.
Make good choices for the planet.
Make good choices for your heart.
Be honest.
Be happy.
Be wrong.
Be better.
Don’t make assumptions.
Grapple with the size of the universe.
Go back and make peace with the things you couldn’t control.
Love the way you love.
Love your whole self.
Go out and find the magic. It’s waiting for you.

Most of us have our share of hardships and pains. Most of us still sit upon a mountain of privilege. Be grateful today for the years of progress that have brought you to this place, and don’t waste this time. No one else can live your life. Don’t let anyone else spoil your time on this magical rock. You are free. Be free.