Happy Fourth of July! I know today is about celebrating our independence and embracing our freedom as Americans. But, while you are celebrating being an American, honor the fact that you are simply you! In the spirit of today I want you to celebrate yourself and the freedom to express who you truly are. Use today as a reminder to liberate yourself from who society says you should be and assert your freedom to make your own rules. Make a declaration to love who you are regardless of shape, size, or gender. Forget what people have to say just for a day and figure out what about you stands out and sparkles then flaunt it. Once you get a taste of that kind of freedom the real you will shine through like fireworks light up the night sky.

Calling all SociaLights : Pepsi is looking for people, businesses, and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact. Look around your community and think about how you want to change it and submit your idea!

Today is a very special day. It’s Mother’s day! I encourage you to make sure that your mom feels special today. It’s really not about the gifts, flowers, or candy. Mother’s like more than anything just to know that they are appreciated. I know mothers and daughters don’t always see eye to eye, (at least me and my mom didn’t while I was growing up) but there’s not many of us that can deny that she has our best interests in mind, even when we don’t understand it. Today is a chance for you, if you do nothing else, to give your Mamma a break. She’s doing the best she can. None of us came with a manual, and even if you have older brothers or sisters, you are a unique individual and she’s trying to figure you out too! Make note of all the things she does and see where you can pitch in. She will love you for it. I know for some it may be hard to fathom getting along with your Mom much less volunteering to do extra chores, but just try it – just for today and maybe tomorrow too. You’ll see what a long way; just a little help goes with mom. I’ll leave you with this thought: Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs there is and no matter what the status is of your relationship , you have to smile at the fact that she gave you life - that alone is deserves to be celebrated.  

All of us have a dream, something that we are trying to accomplish. Deep down inside we all want to leave our mark on this world. Today, I just wanted to encourage you that no matter what your dream is-go after it. I don’t care what your dream is; there is plenty of room for you! Don’t second guess yourself. A lot of times we stop the dream before it can even get started. We let our thoughts run wild drumming up excuses: “I can’t do it”, “it’s too hard”, “I don’t have enough money”, or my personal favorite, “There is already someone out there doing that”. People say that there is nothing new under the sun, but whatever your idea is, it will be new because it comes from you! Believe me, there will be some naysayers out there, people who say you can’t do it and they might even be people who are close to you, but keep going. Find a few people who believe in you and surround yourself with them. Even if it’s only one other person, find someone.  Although, all dreams begin with you believing in yourself, there will be times when things get rough, it will look like maybe it won’t happen and there will be days you might even feel like giving up. That is when the people you have selected on your dream team: your mom, dad, friend, coach, teacher or whoever will give you the added fuel you need to continue on in spite of what it looks like.