Happy Independence Day!

July 4, 2016June 29, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 12 Comments

Two hundred forty years ago on July the 4th 1776, thirteen colonies declared their independence from England, which lead to the formation of the United States. On that day, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. You can download your copy here. I encourage everyone to read it.

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” Click to Tweet.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Click to Tweet

On this Independence Day, we find ourselves in a dangerous and divided country. Faced with one of the most contentious presidential elections in my lifetime, and terrorists who are out to destroy our country, we are in trouble. But, we the people have choices.

“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,— That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” Click to Tweet

Understand this election is not about your side or mine. It’s not about gender, glass ceilings, or dynasty politics. It’s not about an outspoken businessman. This election is about us, our future, our children and grandchildren’s future. It’s about the security of our nation both physically and economically.

So, while you celebrate our country’s independence with barbecue, and fireworks, realize we are at a crossroads.

Our choices are limited this year but think, carefully, my friend – the spin is in and whichever lot you cast will determine the future and direction of our country. Independence is not free.

Be safe this July 4th and don’t forget to thank those who serve to keep us safe and independent every day. To those men and women, I say: images-2

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Change Does Not Happen Overnight

June 14, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 6 Comments

I’ll admit it’s been difficult to think about writing or anything else this week. The horror in Orlando has occupied my mind as I’m sure it has yours – everything else seemed trivial to me.

As I’ve followed the recent events of this past week, it brought to mind a post I’d shared recently on the benefits of anger – How to Show Anger in Your Characters. That post was written from a writer’s perspective. Today, I’d like to discuss anger from a personal perspective and how we can use it in our daily lives, for good.

The past few days have been harrowing. The mass murder of 49 individuals and 53 injured in Orlando have left us stunned, angry, and hungry for answers. I cannot imagine the pain the parents and loved ones of those cut down in the prime of their life are feeling or how they’re possibly getting through each day. My prayers are with each one of them.

Our nation is angry too and rightfully so – it feels as if we’re under attack. We want to fight back, blame someone or something and therein lies the danger.

Speculations and accusations abound among the few facts provided by the authorities. Nasty tweets, articles, slanted Facebook posts, demonization of any number of groups, and cries to change fundamental laws are on nearly every social networking site on the internet. Instead of conversations or healthy debates, angry words are spewed out like the venom of the deadliest snake.

Not All Anger is Bad

When not checked anger is a negative and counterproductive emotion. However, as I said in my previous post – it has benefits too.

It motivates us to seek change.
Expressing it, appropriately, can help interpersonal relationships.
Provides insights if we’re willing to listen to others.
Aids in negotiations to bring about change.

Bad things happen to good people every day. I wish they didn’t. When horrific things happen, we all feel angry but, in spite of the terror, we have the opportunity to be better, to do better, and become an agent for change.

“When bad things happen, we have three choices. We can either let it define us, destroy us, or strengthen us.” Click to Tweet

As we all take a step back and contemplate the horror of this last week, let the system do its job, embrace those who are hurting, remember the victims, and take a deep breath.

“Life is a marathon – not a sprint.” Click to tweet

Change does not come overnight.

Let’s Never Forget : Freedom Isn’t Free

May 30, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 6 Comments

http://www.memorialdaypictures.com

During this unusual and contentious political season, let us pause this holiday weekend and give thanks for those men and women (past and present) who have sacrificed and made it possible for us to enjoy the very freedoms we so often take for granted.