I am a patriot. I love the United States and although I have never served in the military personally, I am proud to say my Daddy, my Father-in-Law and my husband are all veterans who were honored to serve their country. Being a patriot means I will vigorously support and rigorously defend my nation. Tomorrow is #4thOfJuly, also known as Independence Day here in the United States and I want to blend in a more personal angle by referencing Martina McBride’s song, #IndependenceDay, Let Freedom Ring…
First, let me assure you, I know what the song is about and I am in no way advocating that type of reaction. I am simply trying to shed light on a topic that is all too often swept under the proverbial rug because it is uncomfortable. That topic is Abuse.
If you have read my #12Books12Months series, you know that Abuse is a Bully that shows up in Book #2, 
Evict the Bully in Your Head (ETB). Many people are afraid to share their Shame of being in an abusive relationship. They are often resistant to ask for help because they are judged by others for feeling stuck in the situation. It is easy to sit in the Judgement seat saying it “would never happen to me” when you have never experienced the Manipulation that occurs by the abuser.
In Chapter 3 of ETB, I try to help others understand in the section called Lisa’s Love Story how subtle the Nudge is and how it can turn a seemingly loving relationship into an abusive one, before you ever see it coming. I bring this up, so we as patriots, just like we defend our country, can start being proactive in defending other people, by standing up and supporting those we see are hurting or in need. When we read this line in Martina McBride’s song it should inspire us to Step Up.
Some folks whispered and some folks talked
But everybody looked the other way
There are many times in history that it would be easier for us to “look the other way” but true leaders, are willing to get involved because it is the right thing to do, no matter what the cost.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
– Edmund Burke (1770)
Abraham Lincoln recognized slavery was wrong and was willing to put his own country into a state of Civil War in order to right this incredible injustice. That takes Courage.
The United States is known for standing up where other people or countries are being bullied or abused. That is something that we should be proud of. It’s time for us as individuals to stop “looking the other way” when we don’t like what we see. We need to courageously Stand Up for others who cannot, or do not know how, to stand up for themselves.
That is why I started the #YouAreEnough global initiative. To have a program that actively builds the self-esteem, values and leadership skills of current and future generations. When we teach children the value of using Empathy instead of Apathy, we will be raising generations of more confident, well-adjusted leaders that believe:
#YouAreEnough… just the way you are
I hope you will #JoinTheJourney to help others become the best version of themselves, while encouraging others to become independent thinkers and leaders that Do Not Accept, Unacceptable Behavior. Leaders that are willing to risk like Abraham Lincoln did, and are courageous enough to Step Up and Stand Out.
To me, that is what #IndependenceDay is about. The opportunity to be free and to make choices that 
#LetFreedomRing.
If you want to help us spread the #YouAreEnough campaign throughout the world, please consider sponsoring our activities. For more information or to have me speak to your organization, click here and fill out the information or send an email to Booking@VickiFitch.com.
I hope you will check out the #12Books12Months series so you can see my passion to help others recognize their value. Join us for the virtual launch of Book #8 comes on July 12, 2019, OWN IT! How to Step Up and Stand Out! #QuirkyIsCool, Normal is so… yesterday!
Until next week,