Your land is your spot on Earth where you can claim safety and sanity. America may be called “the land of the free,” but we can’t forget freedom doesn’t come for free. Today is Memorial Day, an American holiday honoring the men and women who died for our freedom, so of course freedom has been on my mind. Especially personal freedom–how do I create as much freedom for myself as possible? Here’s the answer I came to: by choosing to develop my self-control.

Yes, self-control is freedom. Those who cannot control themselves are slaves to their own habits and will struggle committing to positive habits. They’ll struggle to manage their feelings or actions, too. Looking inward with honesty helps us recognize our abilities as well as acknowledge our flaws. Doing so give us the necessary foundation for personal growth and freedom. And we can improve our self-control if we become aware of where it’s weak.

Every skill demands that you put in some time and effort to practice it.

Decide what skills you want and design a plan for success. We have to be aware of what’s on our mind in order to change it. Our psychology–what we think everyday–will influence how we behave. Take time to really listen to your thoughts. To be truly free, we must know and control ourselves.

Focus on self-development always, because if we let our momentary desires lead our decisions, our lives (and our bodies) can quickly spin out of control. Create a life of freedom by practicing more self-control.

Today’s food & workout recap:

• Fasted until 1:30 pm
• Breakfast: Protein shake w/ greek yogurt, frozen berries, 1 Tbsp peanut butter, 6 oz almond milk (514 cals)
• Exercise: Rest day
• Lunch: 2 eggs, 1 green tea mochi, 1 1/2 oz. of Ahi Tuna jerky (368 cals)
• Snack: 1/2 oz. almonds (85 cals)
• Dinner: 6 oz. shrimp, 1 cup of power greens, organic sesame dressing (360 cals)

Total food calories for today: 1,327 = (90g, 26% Carbohydrates) (61g, 40% Fat) (114g, 34% Protein)

Remember your personal power is in your freedom to choose. Choose love, choose health, choose you!