Rolling Thunder Memories, POWs & Freedom

About 10 years ago, Donnie and I rode our motorcycles in the Rolling Thunder Parade held in Washington DC. The Rolling Thunder is an annual motorcycle rally held to call for the government's recognition and protection of Prisoners of War (POWs) and those Missing in Action (MIAs). With over a million riders and spectators combined, Rolling Thunder has now evolved into an emotional display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country.

It was a privilege to be in the presence of so many courageous souls. There was a connection and a space to share stories that normally were left untold. The area and event, in its own way becomes holy ground. A place for healing and being heard.

I felt so moved to be a part of the group we were riding with. To hear their stories. To shake their hands. To honor their service and their hearts. I wept with them. I laughed with them. And I stood in silence with them as they felt inward.

Being a part of this event opened up a place within me that I want to share. I began to ask myself questions.

• How am I a prisoner of my own internal War?
• How am I Missing In Action in my own life?
• How am I feeling desperate, lost and left behind?

The men and women of The Rolling Thunder inspired me to rally my own courage to face these questions, and believe it or not, these questions began to dramatically change my life. I never realized how fear was running so much of my life.

For years there was a war within myself that was holding me hostage. It was a war filled with anger and regret and fear. I was hiding and not showing up in my life because of my own fears. Fears of rejection; of playing small, of complacency; and even the fear of being seen.

This day of memory inspires me to think of the importance of courage and as an act of courage I challenge you to ask yourself:

• Do you ever find that fear is holding you hostage?
• Do you ever notice that you hold yourself back, and are “missing in action” from your own life?
• What internal war is raging within you?

I’m not going to lie, it requires courage to take your power back from fear. Because the tricky thing about fear is that it can make you feel hopeless, powerless, and even worthless (I know, I’ve been there).

But I decided a long time ago that I was tired of feeling “stuck” in my pain and I was determined to live my life without regret. I created a personal boot camp to kick myself into action to face my fears, and I’ve never looked back.

So what is your choice? Courage or regret? Pain or pleasure? Every day we have a choice to take the courageous step, the question is will you take it?

To learn more about how to overcome fear to release your greatest untapped power, check out my website at www.intouchinlife.com for more resources.

Yes. You & Your Choices Matter. Own Your Value. Being kind to yourself, It's all about You. And it's about being In Touch In Life.

Teresa Lea, BA NCLMBT # 1804

If you found this of value and want to find out about Teresa Lea and her work and more ways to value your worth visit our free resources at www.InTouchInLife.com or call 336-623-9138