Letter from the Editor

As I was preparing to set my New Year’s resolutions, I considered the usual suspects: eat better, be more physically active, get organized. Alas, such vague goals felt uninspiring. After all, it seems I think about doing these things all the time, so maybe I’m already better than I was just last year.

I felt I needed to be more specific (S.M.A.R.T. goals, anyone?). But first, I wondered: what do people in other cultures typically try to resolve for themselves at the start of each year? What could I learn from them?

I discovered that the number one New Year’s resolution in China is to be more family-oriented. In Japan: read more. Ireland: enjoy life more. In Canada and Sweden, people tend to want to travel more (don’t we all these days?). In Brazil, learning a new language tops the list.

It was uplifting for me to read others’ resolutions. It not only gave me insight into what different cultures value, but it also encouraged me to imagine a more broad range of possibilities in my own life. My worldview has expanded—if only slightly—and I appreciate that.

We at Liberty Life are excited about the potential of 2021. We have many plans that we look forward to bringing to life for you, dear reader.

One of our resolutions is to have more two-way conversations with you. Without our readers, Liberty Life couldn’t be what it is.

We’re eager to hear from you! The truth is, we want to understand and share your perspective of living on The Liberty Coast. With every picture you send in and the stories behind those moments, we will illustrate “a day in the life” of serving on The Liberty Coast.

What places do you frequent? Downtown Jacksonville? Amelia Island’s Pirate Park? Yulee? St. Mary’s? Driftwood Beach?

What people do you meet? Your hairstylist? The grocery clerk? The gentleman drinking a coffee on that park bench? The woman walking her dog through your neighborhood?

What surprises do you experience? I was surprised by how green it is in Florida.

What good deeds or acts of kindness do you witness? Someone buying coffee for the next stranger in line at your favorite coffee shop? People holding the door open for that person that’s still a few steps from reaching the entrance? The car ahead of you offering a take-out meal to the homeless person with the sign?

What part of the local nature inspires you? Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens? Julington Durbin Creek Nature Preserve? Jennings State Forest?

What art makes you look twice? Perhaps the twelve murals on the Wall of Honor, Service, and Patriotism? Is it the Amelia Seaside Sculptures?

Each insight you offer will bring The Liberty Coast alive for the rest of us, and THAT is our ultimate resolution!

Submit pictures to LibertyLifeMedia.Com/Submissions.

Stephanie Thompson; U. S. Navy Mustang Veteran; Editor