It’s Memorial Day today.  For many it’s the final day of our 3 day weekend which has included swimming pool openings, retail sales, parades and of course cookouts!  But while you’re enjoying your time off, let’s not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Millions upon millions have fought for the liberties of our country throughout America’s history.  The men and women of the armed serviced have sacrificed everything from their limbs to their lives and everything in between so that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. 

So take a moment today to reflect on the hard work of the men and women in the armed services.  If you know someone who has served, thank them for their service and remember those who ultimately gave their life fighting for the freedom of this country.  Never forget that freedom certainly isn’t free.

I have an aunt and uncle that swear by Burberry.  Why?  Simply because it’s expensive.  So for starters, she has a Burberry hat, coat and handbag and he has a coat and tie.  Every time I see them they like to flaunt it because in their mind, it makes them look important.  In reality, it makes them look like jackasses.

Although  I used my aunt & uncle as an example, there are many people in this world who are like that.  They think that owning certain material things (the more expensive the better) means that they have arrived. It’s so sad to me because all it really shows is that they’re so lost and empty inside they try to compensate by purchasing something expensive as a way to hide from the world that they’re actually incomplete.  Well to them I say “Good luck with that.” 

Life is short; so, why bother to worry about insignificant things?  Tonight on After Hours with B. Miller, I present 3 most common things we worry over in our relationships.  I also explain why in the long run, it’s important to let them go. CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THIS POST TO TUNE IN TO THE SHOW.

I was always on the go.  I had a schedule that I liked to stick to, so that had me ripping and running all over town.  Then my hip replacement surgery happened.  After that event, I had no other choice but to slow it down.

One of the most difficult things for me to do post hip surgery, was for me to slow everything down.  Physically I had no choice.  After all, I had to learn how to walk with a new hip and gradually get back to my day-to-day life.  Mentally, it was another story.  Mentally I was still ripping and running and adding to a massive to-do list that I physically couldn’t keep up with.  So after finally facing reality, both mentally and physically, I started to slow it all down and I’m so glad I did.

By walking slower, I’ve had to opportunity to really take notice of my surroundings and be more observant of what I’ve seen. By not over thinking things, it’s allowed me to listen more and really hear what others are saying.  By mentally and physically slowing everything down, I’ve discovered a greater appreciation of everyday life.  As I take daily steps in my recovery, I’m determined to have my new found peace remain in my day-to-day life. 

Everywhere I look, a new bank is being built from the ground up.  Talk about in your face waste!  Why do we need two or 3 banks on every corner?  The sad thing is that the banks seem to be the only ones to have really benefited from the stimulus package.  It would have been nice if they put that money to good use by giving loans and establishing credit to those who were in need; but, no.  I guess that would have made too much sense and been too much like right.  Oh well, politics screw us over again!

Yesterday my mom and I hung out for the day.  We decided to head over to the Tysons area to check out some of the stores.  While on our way to the Beltway, we passed a high school where there was a soccer game going on.  While we were at the light, I saw those kids playing their hearts out.  Then I looked over to the bleachers and they were virtually empty.  The light turned green and we proceeded to the Beltway, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how empty those bleachers were.

Growing up, I had the support of both my mom and grandma.  Whenever there was a school function (whether it was a field trip or an open house of some sort) either my mom or grandma (if not both) were there.  Their presence at my various events helped build my confidence.  You see, by simply being there, it showed me that I mattered to them and that I mattered in general.  That’s why those empty bleachers were bothering me.   To see those kids out there playing their hearts out and not having the proper support makes me a little perturbed.

Tonight on After Hours w/ B. Miller, we remember the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. Tune in as we reflect on her life through the music she leaves behind. TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW IN ITS ENTIRETY, CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THIS POST.