To The Warrior Souls

Dakota Douglas-

My first sibling.

So you are off on your next adventure. I’m so happy for you.

It’s not a path that I could ever understand or could ever walk myself but, I’m glad to see you moving forward.

You rested and did the studies that were required of you. 

You committed and did the deed of schooling. 

And at the end, you took stock, reflected enough and realized that you are the kind of soul that needs to be given a structure, an order. 

That takes more than what many are able or willing to do.

Which is to look at yourself and know, I could fall into laziness and do the bare minimum in life. Or I could choose the more treacherous path, one that takes me facing my difficult patterns, and knowing I cannot escape them, and finding a way forward that works with the ‘flaws’ you have. 

I want you to be proud of that.

I can’t say I feel good or love the idea of my little brother going back into the military in these times. But, I also know that some people have a warrior soul and that is their destined path. 

Even if nowadays that looks less like swords and armor training, and more like computers and drone training.

The wisdom I wish to impart on you before you make this next big step, is the belief that every person you meet deserves JOY as a birthright, including you.

I know that training and military life may not be the place you find joy but, I hope it enables you to find the structure that will make you feel as though you are closer to your purpose, and that will allow you to find a space where your joy can be felt. 

I’d like you to remember that duty and honor and structure and everything else you feel pressured by, have their place. But what you deserve is fulfillment.

And I tell you, that will never be your reality if you don’t make space or look for ways to have JOY in your life, in your heart. 

And you are taking a partner with you on this journey. I don’t understand you and Ashley’s relationship. To me it is so strange that in… 6 years? I’ve never seen you guys give any sign of physical affection. Not a kiss, not a hug… 

But what I know is that you two are more loyal to one another than almost any couple I know. 

And that is why I support you guys. 

This is a big step on a new journey for her too. And I believe you are doing well to see that you and her need a big shake-up in your lives and are being a good masculine partner to say,

“I’m going to take care of us. I’m committed to you. I want your health and happiness but that means some uncomfortable changes and I also believe you’re strong enough to rise through those challenges and meet them.”

That’s fucking Love. 

I hope she does meet you where you’re at. 

A place where you’re putting in the work to make a positive change in your life and hopefully, 

a positive change in the World. 

Speaking of The World…

And its inhabitants. Us. Humans.

I hope that with your position, you use it to protect ALL life. Not just Americans.

I hope you reconnect with the sweet little boy brother I knew that regarded all people’s feelings in a room. That sought for peace above all else. I saw that in you as a boy.

Remember every face you meet has a real, beating heart.

A heart that also deserves joy. 

I hope that every corrupt person you meet, you can see that under all of their spite, anger, hate, is just a child that didn’t get Loved the way you did.

I hope that if you DO have to fight, you’re fighting for a World where there is more peace. 

More safety. More understanding. 

That you see we’re all fighting an internal/external battle to feel safe, to feel understood. 

Although you will be..taught? Entrained? That your job is to protect America,

That you’ll instead protect every Soul looking for liberty.

And I hope, if you ever feel you are asked to do something that you feel in your heart is the wrong choice, You’ll walk away first.

You never HAVE to do anything.

Remember, when wars are done and over no one really empathizes with the idea of, 

“I was just doing my job.”

Every (free) person has a choice. 

A personal choice. 

Every individual commands their own life.

In the end, your choices are your own. 

And it is YOU that will have to own up to them.

Choose your actions based on the heart and the gut. 

The mind gets confused. Gets influenced, goes astray.

And Lastly,

I want you to know, I am always here. Even if I am a bit… ‘out there.’

I know we don’t call much but you can always call me if you’re having any conflict, or you’re just sharing some happy news.

I am your sister. I held you as a baby.

And I will be here to hold you (metaphorically, haha) for the rest of your life.

I am proud of you. And I hope you find your Joy, and Peace, and Fulfillment, against all Odds.

Love, 

Amanda Lee