On January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court issued a 7–2 decision holding that the "Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides a fundamental "right to privacy", which protects a pregnant woman's right to an abortion."
I was born on January 21, 1973 - one day prior to that landmark decision.
So it's fair to say that I've lived nearly my entire life - at least prior to June 24, 2022 - believing that I had the right to choose.
Believing that my gender in no way limited my ability to decide what was best for my body. . . my mind. . . my soul.
That belief ended 10 days ago when Roe v Wade was overturned.
I know I should have been prepared. . . there were leaked documents saying that it was going to happen. But I'll be honest. . .
I took Roe for granted.
I took my rights for granted.
I took the belief that I was equal for granted.
In what felt like the snap of a finger. . . like a punch to the gut. . . that freedom. . . my right to chose. . . was taken away.
All of the sudden, I felt helpless in a way I never had before.
All of the sudden, I felt vulnerable in a way I never had before.
All of the sudden, I felt somehow less than in a way I never had before.
Prior to June 10th, so many of us had the right to make decisions that so many no longer have the right to make.
So many of us are faced with feelings that we've never had to face before.
So many of us are experiencing our first Independence Day with fewer freedoms than we had the year prior.
For nearly 50 years, we held our collective breath hoping that one man (the POTUS) wouldn't upset the balance of a Court, primarily seated with men.
For 50+ years, we held hands as we marched for women's rights. . . for gay rights. . . for equal rights of all kinds.
For 50+ years, we held our tongues hoping to not draw too much attention to the level of freedoms we were acquiring.
Despite all this, I'm still hopeful.
I'm hopeful that this is merely a temporary set back. I'm hopeful that this reversal will force us to do the right thing. . .
To rise up, unite and put into law a woman's right to choose.
To rise up, unite and create new laws built on the foundation of equality.
To rise up, unite and move beyond these divisive power struggles into an energy of peace, love and freedom.
I'm hopeful that in the very near future, we'll start to edit the foundational documents our democracy was built upon to be for ALL the people, not just "man".
I'll get the ball rolling. . .
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all PEOPLE 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.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among the PEOPLE , 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.
See, it really shouldn't be that hard.
If you have the same freedoms this year that you had last year, Happy Independence Day.
To the rest of us, there's always next year (and now I sound like a Cubs fan).
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In the meantime, we need clear heads & open hearts. I get being pissed. I'm pissed. But channeling that energy into clarity of action. . . into non violent responses. . . into respectful debate is what matters most.
If you need help shifting out of the anger or processing your anger, reach out. I'm here to help. And so are so many other talented healers, therapists, counselors, shamans, coaches & mentors.
Maybe now would be a great time to try breathwork (again). It works, if you let it. Check out one of my on demand videos, especially the one titled "I'm pissed!". I promise you'll feel better afterward!
#freedom #roevwade #scotus #potus #equality #rights #righttochose #prochoice #proroe #mybodymychoice #independenceday #notsofree #buildabetterunion