Hi ,

 

I am writing this note a day ahead of when you're probably

seeing it. It's a day of freedom, and I'm going to celebrate it!

 

No, it's not July 4, though the video I'm sharing with you

does take place on that day.

 

It's the day of freedom for my daughter, Sarah. After four

years, she graduates from high school today.

 

Most of us who are parents will eventually have kids who

graduate from high school. Of course we love them and

we're proud of them.

 

I'm especially proud of Sarah because she worked her ass

off for her freedom.

 

You see, four years ago Sarah made a choice to attend a

performing arts magnet high school in Hartford, Connecticut.

That's about half an hour away when there's no traffic, and if

you live along the Interstate 84 corridor, you know there's no

such thing as no traffic.

 

This kid had a dream in her heart. She always loved to sing,

and she was always very good at it. She wanted to be in an 

environment where it was OK to not only be herself, but to

pursue her dream with everything she had.

 

So she sacrificed. While her friends were rolling out of bed

at 7:00 am, she was up at 4:45 every morning. While they

were getting home at 2:30, she wasn't home most days until

6:00.

 

While they surfed the net, played on sports teams and enjoyed

a relatively care free existence, Sarah got shin splints and blisters

from dance class, sore throats from vocal training, and 

was emotionally challenged constantly to reach for tough emotions

in acting class.

 

She paid a price. And she did it willingly.

 

Because on the other side of that work was true freedom. 

 

The freedom to live out her purpose and her dream.

 

Not that it would be handed to her. It never is. 

 

But the freedom to pursue with the skills and confidence that

happens when you make the commitment.

 

I'm very proud of my girl. And you can bet I'll be posting pictures!

 

CLICK HERE to take a look at a beautiful scene from Moscow

On The Hudson. Robin Williams' character made a commitment

to his dream too. It wasn't easy, and we catch him in a moment of

doubt and pain.

 

But the price is worth it. It's always worth it, no matter the results.

 

Because when you give it everything you got, you get the

FREEDOM to live a life that feels good and right...even