Summer has finally arrived! For those of us who live in Minnesota we thought it was never going to come… But the seasons eventually do arrive, and we need to be prepared to embrace the new seasons and enjoy them to the max. Summer is typically the season when most families take vacation, mainly because it’s the time when the kids are out of school.

This summer I encourage you to spend time with your family. It doesn’t have to be a big expense. Sometimes the best memories are made very inexpensively, such as a picnic at the lake, going biking, visiting pools around the city, taking long walks, or simply visiting with someone at any place. The point is to spend quality time with the people you love. Celebrate your family!

This week we celebrate our country’s independence. I recently spoke at a leadership conference where I shared the story of when I became a US citizen back in 1997. My husband’s grandma had always wanted to witness an immigrant becoming a US citizen, so she was excited to attend my Oath Ceremony. When she arrived all dressed up, I noticed she was wearing a beautiful rhinestones pin of the flag of the United States. I said, “Wow grandma! What a beautiful pin.” She replied, “Thank you!” And preceded to sit down behind me. After the Oath Ceremony ended, I turned back to give her a hug and thanked her for being there for such a special moment in my life. She then took off the pin and pinned it on my dress and said, “Now, you can have it!” I cried. What an emotional moment of significance that was. It left a positive mark in my heart forever.

As you celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day, with your family, remember this story and how significant it is for all of us to live in a FREE country. My heart overflows with gratitude toward all the service men and women who continually fight for us and for those who gave their lives for us to enjoy freedom.

Let’s celebrate Family and Freedom every day! Happy Independence Day!