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Return to the Planet of the Lunks

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

I did something this morning I haven’t done in about 5 years…

And in doing so… I got a jump on one of my 2024 goals…

Which is…

BEING STRONG! 💪

Yep, that’s the face of a woman who just finished a session at Planet Fitness.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have a decent home gym where I do yoga/stretching/hanging (current time: 48 seconds!) and I have been lifting weights every week or so (maybe a little too “so”) but I have a shoulder that’s niggly and I want to keep trying different things as I build up to free hanging for 90 seconds (that’s another 2024 goal) so back to Planet Fitness “to Lunk” we go! 😂

I’m grateful to Louis for pushing me, AND spoiling me with the upgrade so I can use the massage table and red light therapy station as a reward if I want.

For most of my adult life, I chose to “reward” myself with things that made me unwell–alcohol, hard drugs, no sleep–but now that I have come to my senses (literally), I choose to reward myself with things that make me feel good and enhance my wellbeing: exercise, quality time with people I love, nourishing food and sleep, and concentrating on how to be my best.

Are you thinking about your life? Do you have an inkling of where you want to be in 5 years? How can your goals for 2024 help you get there?

Meeting small incremental goals day by day eventually accumulate into a new version of you over time, as those who know me and have watched me change over the past 5 years can attest.

This week, write down whenever you hear yourself talking or thinking about the future. See if there’s a pattern that might serve as a guide to where you’re heading.

Where am I heading?

I’m identifying my word of 2024. I like to pick a word and center intentions around them as an integrated, holistic way to goal set.

Over the past few years, my words have been:
2019: Vibrance
2020: Evolve
2021: Effort & Ease
2022: I don’t remember rn & I find that hilarious
2023: Create

If this type of aspirational framing–finding one overarching word or “vibe”–resonates with you, let me know. I’d love to explore this more with you!

Coming up soon…

Stay tuned for more reflections on life, goal setting, and how to optimize your time for happiness.

New to me?

Learn more about my health journey right here on The Art of Independence: I lost 50+ lbs adopting a low carb lifestyle; I reversed my anxiety; I quit alcohol and learned to kinda-sorta love myself.

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Blog

What’s Up with My “X-File”?

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

I try and roll with the punches… so I haven’t complained much about getting banned from X after PorcFest…

But now that I’m trying to finalize a project before the end of the year, and have come to discover THEY’VE LITERALLY ERASED MY ENTIRE PRESENCE FROM TWITTER, I’m fucking pissed.

For a while, even though I couldn’t post anymore, you were still able to find my content, and you could still search my 20,000+ posts.

TWENTY THOUSAND IDEAS OVER 10+ YEARS THAT I PUT OUT IN THE UNIVERSE, ERASED.

ONE HUNDRED sequenced “My Life in Balance” post-its, sorted and ready to be compiled into a book, ERASED.

The history of erasing history is a “tyranny tell” that those of us who study history understand the historical significance of. By which I mean, as a self-respecting dissident: FUCK THIS SHIT.

Yes, I know I shouldn’t place trust in Big Tech and Big Bro. Together, they’re the worst bullies on the playground. But when you get pushed out of the playground entirely, things start to take a different bent.

This year, as you can see, my Halloween costume was Street Fighter CHUN-LI, the strongest woman in the world. This wasn’t an accidental choice. This was me manifesting the notion, if I can’t spread my ideas online, I will take them to the streets.

To the enemies of liberty: Be careful what you wish for.

What is the status of my X “case”–shall we call it my “X-File”?

* Every appeal has been dismissed without a reason being cited, and after my last complaint, they erased me down the memory-hole.

* X is still charging me for my Blue Check and Elon Musk subscription. Big mistake: I am literally a paying customer being denied service. This gives me strong standing and is going to be part of my First Amendment case to get reinstated.

* I am also going to approach FIRE and the Institute of Justice to see whether these organizations will help me. (If you’re reading this and have other suggestions, please DM me, thanks!)

* Many of you know I have been trying to get Elon’s attention about the Free State Project for years now. Guess the cosmos is telling me to sue his ass?

My frustration is heartfelt. I am sitting here writing in bed, fuming so hard, Louis can see smoke: “THIS ISN’T FAIR”!!! lol

But then I remind myself, Rome was not dismantled in a day, and I find gratitude in the fact that I have orchestrated a life where I know thousands of people in meatspace too, and that I can make a difference on the ground in New Hampshire because, ultimately, THIS is THE value proposition of the Free State: concentrating freedom fighters in one geographic area… IRL.

Finally, I am reminded, as you know, my secret middle name is PERSEVERANCE: I am unstoppable, and I’m coming for you, Big Bro.

May be an image of 1 person

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BlogIn the Media

FSP Announces New Executive Director

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Free State Project Names Maine Senator Eric Brakey as New Executive Director

[Manchester, November 30, 2023] – The Free State Project, a political migration movement dedicated to attracting liberty-minded individuals and libertarians to New Hampshire, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Maine Senator Eric Brakey (35) as its new Executive Director, effective December 1st.

Senator Brakey, who will finish his third term in the Maine Senate next year and not seek re-election, brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to the principles of liberty, making him the ideal choice to lead the Free State Project into its next chapter.

“After twenty years, the positive impact of the Free State Project is undeniable. New Hampshire stands today as a granite fortress of freedom as other states succumb to the siren songs of socialism ,” said Senator Eric Brakey. “I am excited to join the Free State Project to help achieve liberty in our lifetimes with a homeland for all who wish to live free.” 

In 2003, supporters of the Free State movement chose New Hampshire as their destination. Today, more than 7,000 live in the state. The Free State Project hosts two annual events to showcase the NH Advantage: Liberty Forum, an intimate, 300-person winter hotel conference, and the Porcupine Freedom Festival (aka “PorcFest”), a summer camping event with about 3,000 attendees.

Over the past two decades, Free Staters have been elected to office, served on school boards and civic committees, run independent media sites, and have started businesses, private clubs, and charities. Free Staters have been instrumental in expanding liberties in many different areas, from jury nullification and craft brewing, to cryptocurrencies and First Amendment activities. In 2023, NBC Boston broadcast an extensive, 11-part docuseries about the Free State Project called Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire was just ranked Number One by the Cato Institute as the freest state in the nation overall,” said Free State Project founder and current board member, Jason Sorens, who worked on the report. “With our low tax burden, natural beauty, and policies like expanded school choice and Constitutional Carry, New Hampshire is becoming difficult to beat in terms of overall quality of living.”  

As the new Executive Director, Senator Brakey will play a pivotal role in promoting these advantages to help attract more liberty-minded individuals and libertarians to the ‘Live Free or Die’ state. 

Eric Brakey began in liberty politics as the Maine State Director for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign. Elected shortly thereafter to the Maine Senate, Brakey became the youngest state senator in America at the age of 26. Across three terms, Senator Brakey authored Maine’s Constitutional Carry law, negotiated significant welfare reforms, enacted Right to Try legislation, legalized over-the-counter birth control, and oversaw market-based reforms to the state’s medical cannabis program. In 2018, Senator Brakey served as the Maine Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Between terms of office, Eric Brakey also worked as a national spokesperson, growth strategist, and policy advisor at Young Americans for Liberty based in Austin, TX.

“Eric is a big ‘get’ for us,” said Carla Gericke, president emeritus and chairwoman of the Free State Project. “Getting a senator from another state to join the Free State Project represents, in very real terms, the value proposition of our mission, which is to concentrate the best and brightest, the smartest, solution-driven thinkers of our time, in one place: the Free State of New Hampshire. I left Silicon Valley and NYC to come build something new. I can’t wait to see what Eric does.” 

In his role as Executive Director, Senator Brakey will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Free State Project, working closely with the Board of Directors, the organization’s staff, and its large, dedicated volunteer community. Brakey’s tenure promises to be a dynamic period of growth and outreach, as the Free State Project continues to attract individuals who share a commitment to individual freedom and limited government.

“Eric’s passion for liberty, coupled with his experience in public service and his time at Young Americans for Liberty, makes him an outstanding choice to lead the Free State Project,” said Gericke. “We are confident that under his guidance, the organization will continue to grow and that he will embolden a new wave of Free Staters to come help build the brightest beacon of liberty in the world, right here in New Hampshire.”


About the Free State Project:

The Free State Project is a 501c3 educational non-profit dedicated to promoting individual liberty, limited government, and free-market principles in New Hampshire. Founded in 2003, the organization encourages liberty-minded individuals and libertarians to move to New Hampshire, where they can live, work, and play while advocating for a freer society. Learn more at fsp.org.

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Blog

Just YOU and the ‘Verse

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

“Never forget that the universe is a single living organism possessed of one substance and one soul, holding all things suspended in a single consciousness and creating all things with a single purpose that they might work together spinning and weaving and knotting whatever comes to pass.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Grasping the duality of being one unfathomable living thing–the Universe–and also an entirely separate individual within this Universe, is what is missing from the world today.

Think of yourself as one cell in a vast organism. It’s your sole job to keep your cell healthy so that the whole can be healthy as well.

When you change your intentions from trying to fix the whole organism by hubristically trying to “fix the World,” and instead focus your intentions simply on “fixing” or enhancing YOURSELF, we all together, “cell” by “cell,” individual by individual, create a better Universe.

Your one job is to do YOUR best. The rest will follow.

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Blog

An Asshole Antidote: YOU

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

“If you have assumed a character above your strength, you have both acted in this matter in an unbecoming way, and you have neglected that which you might have fulfilled.” ~ Epictetus

This one is a hard lesson to learn, but learn you shall.

For example: If you constantly threaten your co-workers as a mode of operation, expect someone to eventually call your bluff.

If you didn’t have the goods, I hope you learned a few things, like:

Treat others as you wish to be treated.

It occurs to me this “Golden Rule” really only works if one is not a raging asshole.

If you ARE a raging asshole, may I suggest you go do the work so that you do not “neglect that which you might have fulfilled”.

What does that work look like?

* Understanding your place in the Universe. Which is to say, in the center of YOUR story, but not in the center of anyone else’s. In your Play of Life, you must still remember there are many characters on the stage, and it behooves you to consider their strengths too. (AKA: Know the battlefield before you pick your battles.)

* Understanding that your thoughts and deeds have a powerful impact on everything you do, and that you attract what you put out.

What are you putting out?

Me? I’m over here living free in New Hampshire, promoting health and well-being through proper nutrition, hydration, breath-work, cold therapy, exercise and good sleep.

I reversed severe anxiety, obesity, alcohol-addiction and inflammation (which is “hell” on a cellular level) through lifestyle choices and mental changes.

You can too, but first: KNOW YOUR STRENGTH 💪 and “STOP ASSUMING A CHARACTER”, so you can holistically become the best YOU.

Not a “pretend you.” Not an impostor. Not “a character”. But YOU, revealed through a process of self-discovery while routinely making choices that trend towards health/well-being until they become second nature.

Good habits lead to a better life!

Follow me here for tips on The Good Life!

Live free and thrive!

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Blog

Winter is Coming: Proper Preparation Gives You the Warm and Fuzzies…

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Light at the end of the tunnel! A cliché, yes, but as we enter winter, always a good mindset to carry against the literal darkness.

Figuring out your winter coping strategies is vital to being a well-adjusted Free Stater.

Here are some of mine, AKA “An African in North-East America” 🤣:

Proper clothing! The Scandinavians say there’s no such thing as cold weather, only improper clothing. Woolen socks, silk undergarments, good gloves and hats all go a long way to making the cold days more toasty.

Get outside! I take almost daily 45+ minute walks. Yeah, you’re not going to feel like it some days, but go do it anyway. Even just around the block but hopefully farther. One of the best reasons to get a dog… built-in accountability partner! If you don’t have a pet, find someone to walk with you or who will check-in to see if you did.

Happy light! Yes, both the orange ball in the sky that you should be looking at intentionally at sunrise and sunset, but also, get an additional boost with a desktop light therapy lamp. Even 5 minutes a day will improve your mood.

Up or start taking Vitamin D. Just do it.

Meditation! A positive mindset in winter can make a massive difference. I used to get depressed when our Overlords decreed that the time change, resulting in it being dark at 4:20pm, but that was before I understood winter doesn’t get worse and worse, darker and darker, for longer and longer, but rather, instead, it starts getting lighter again before Christmas. Then it’s just the home-stretch to Spring!

If you just need a break… get away! Maybe you can’t afford to travel somewhere sunny and warm, but you can fake a summer-like experience at home. Pick your favorite beach movies, make some of your favorite summer foods, and throw a picnic on a blanket in front of the TV.

Socialize! Or nest! Remember, human contact is important, but also, for me, winter is a wonderful time to recharge my batteries, reflect on what I’ve accomplished, get projects that slipped under fresh eyeballs, catch up, cocoon, and contemplate next steps.

What do you want to accomplish in 2024?

What can you get done over the next 2 months to position yourself for success?

Is there something on the 2023 list you can still bang out? (I’m looking at you basement floor project! lol)

Is there one thing you can do for a friend that will make a remarkable difference in their lives?

Is there one lifestyle tweak you can introduce now, that if practiced routinely for the next 45 days will create a new sustainable lifetime habit? (I’m looking at you, HYDRATION.)

When winter comes, it can seem never-ending, but, as the Stoics and my Ma will say: This too shall pass.

How YOU choose to let Winter pass is, well, up to YOU!

Live mindfully free, use tricks to make life better, and thrive!

[Photo: Louis and Obi on Head Pond Trail last Sunday.]
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Manch TalkVideo

The Dirty Little Secrets of Public Officials (Manch Talk 11/15/23)

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

We talk about Right-to-Know and whether updates in the law should be applied ex-post facto (probably not) and whether Human Rights should trump special interest groups that only give “rights” to some people (definitely).

Read more about the case we mention in the Union Leader: Former Claremont cop seeks to keep files secret (paywall)

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