Honoring July with the Freedom to Act and the Power to Impact

A LuvNSol Reflection with Coach Lucy

Hi friends, it’s Coach Lucy. July is here, and with it comes a natural moment to pause, reflect, and recommit. It’s the seventh month of the year, the beginning of the second half, and to me, it feels like a re-set — a chance to take a deep breath and decide how we want to finish the year stronger, more aligned, and more intentional.

July holds real power. It’s the month we celebrate the birth of our country, which should also be a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a citizen. The Fourth of July can be about fireworks and BBQs, sure, but more importantly, it’s an invitation to reflect on what freedom actually means — not just for us, but for others. Freedom isn’t static. It’s something we build and expand by engaging, learning, voting, advocating, and showing up.

But let’s also acknowledge something else. At the birth of this great nation, not everyone was granted that freedom. When the Declaration was signed, only white men were allowed to vote. Abigail Adams urged her husband, John Adams, to “remember the ladies” in those early days, but her plea went unheeded. It would take 72 years just to begin the national conversation around women’s suffrage — and another 72 years after that to secure the right to vote through the 19th Amendment. That’s 144 years our country operated with only partial representation. The first Women’s Rights Convention, held on July 19 and 20, 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, was a powerful beginning. But the road to equality was long, and in many ways, it still continues.

That’s why I believe so deeply in the power of voice — to vote, to speak up, to share your truth, and to impact the world around you. Voice is freedom in action.

This month also marks so many personal and collective milestones for me. I’m someone who captures moments as they happen — not just the big ones, but the simple joys too. I take pictures constantly. Cheesy family shots, snapshots of my favorite meals, sunsets that take my breath away, and the random but meaningful LuvNSol moments that remind me how lucky I am to be here and growing. I look back often — not just for nostalgia, but to trace the story of how far we’ve come.

Last July holds so many memories that still feel fresh. My partner, Dr. Rob, turned 70 and also underwent a second major spinal surgery at Mayo in Rochester. During recovery, he set a personal goal of walking 1,500 steps a day. Not only did he reach it — he crushed it, with a 40-day streak tracked in the Force for Health® Virtual Gym. Today, he continues to meet with students, partners, and peers with a light that hasn’t dimmed, even if his body has had to adapt to new limitations. He is one of my everyday health heroes.

July also marked a summer of milestones and growth across all areas of my life. We watched history unfold with leadership shifts on the national stage. I deepened friendships, spent time with my dad, and watched one of my family members celebrate turning 50 by taking 1st and 2nd place in her very first fitness and physique competition. I supported local campaigns, filled my yard with signs, and made time to finally get my heart checked. I added more of my favorite meals to my visual tracker and made time for my peaceful walks in Oro Valley. I also watched as one of the board members from our Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona presented our 360SCDHub App at the Medicaid Leadership and Innovation Conference. And yes, it was in July that I received my official Arizona LuvNSol license plate, now tagging my black convertible Mustang — my soul ride.

This month also reminds me to tune into our health awareness calendar. July shines a light on:

• Juvenile Arthritis Awareness
• UV Safety
• Healthy Vision
• National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention
• Cord Blood Awareness
• Group B Strep Awareness
• Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness

These reminders inspire me to take better care of myself, advocate for others, and pay attention to the health journeys that may not be visible but are very real.

As I look ahead, I feel called to remind all of us to take advantage of the freedom to act and the power to impact. July is a time to engage with intention, to remember our history, to use our voice, and to make our mark.

In our My Girl Power Empowerment Club, we talk about four pillars: Know your Voice, Own Your Health, Flex your Wings, and Leave your Mark. If June is about daring to fly, then July is the moment to act — to start building the legacy we want to leave behind.

So let this be your reminder. You are free to act. You are powerful enough to make an impact. And your voice matters — now more than ever.

With purpose, pride, and a whole lot of sunshine,
Coach Lucy
LuvNSol