1. Moving video I watched…
In this time of immense uncertainty, I can’t help but think of the potential we have as a country. Coming off Memorial Day, thinking of all the men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms we have (and shamefully take for granted), I hope we can stand strong, unite as Americans, and be the great country we can be. I remember looking out over Arlington Cemetery years ago and being rocked with a mixture of emotions… sadness, appreciation, pride, connectedness, a sense of awe, and a lot more. I also remember asking myself what I am willing to give up for our freedom. What am I willing to sacrifice or do to ensure that future generations can enjoy the freedoms that we have had? We all need to ask ourselves this question. I know my grandfather put his life on the line in World War II, narrowly escaping death several times (and watching his friends die). I am feeling incredible gratitude for those serving our country, and those that have died serving our country. Please watch this Twitter post that my brother, Dave, sent me this week. This video literally sent chills down my spine and gave me goosebumps. It reminded me how powerful we can be as a nation when we COME TOGETHER!
The microphone went out for the National Anthem ahead of Charlotte FC’s home opener & this happened. Wow. Chills. This crowd is amazing.@wcnc | #ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/KIDqBGJuZL
— Ashley Stroehlein (@ashstro) March 6, 2022
2. Cool thing I learned this week…
While discussing the popular “Moscow Mule” (a drink containing Vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice), I was told that it is now starting to be referred to as the “Ukrainian Mule.” I thought that was pretty cool.
3. A parable I think about often (and can have a life-changing effect)…
This parable is simple, but very, very powerful. Read it, think about it, and refer to it often.
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”