Tasting freedom

I'm living a lifelong love affair with freedom.

And like any good love affair it has been filled with mystery, curiosity, doubt, excitement, peace, joy and deep sorrow.

In practice, freedom isn't really declared. Freedom is something we must commit and recommit to - again and again.

Even when we feel stuck in survival mode we can remember that we care about freedom. We care about thriving.

Next week the United States will be celebrating Juneteenth - a celebration of freedom.

The story of Juneteenth is one of the most inspiring & honest tales of freedom seeking. It contains the longing, the trials, the heartbreaks & betrayals, and the tireless recommitment to the joys of freedom.

Alliah L. Agostini, a high school & college classmate of mine, published a beautiful children's book all about the holiday, The Juneteenth Story.

I love the way her book tells the complex, 150+ year history of Juneteenth celebrations in a straightforward and uplifting way.

To the freedom of all people, everywhere!

Marijke Ocean