Is Today Your Independence Day?

Here in the States we celebrate Independence Day today. It’s a day of barbecues, fireworks, family, and friends.

I love the idea of celebrating independence and not just my country’s. There are many ways you’ve likely claimed your own independence.

Maybe you worked hard to get out of debt.

Maybe you ended a toxic relationship.

Maybe you shut down your inner critic chatter or purged a bunch of physical clutter.

Or you decided to say “F the status quo. I’m gonna do ME.”

All things worth celebrating, in my opinion, and deserving of some fanfare.

The recognition could be as small as a comforting or encouraging word to yourself when you feel nervous.

It could be a blow-out party in honor of your divorce being finalized.

Maybe the celebration is in the setting of boundaries with those who don’t support your dreams.

It takes real courage to walk with confidence and conviction, especially with mouths on all sides giving biased input.

Independent thinking takes practice.

It takes self-love and patience with your fear.

It takes the ability to see the gray in a black-and-white world.

When you get in touch with your authentic self and move away from forces that hold you down (which is all clutter!), you flex your confidence muscles and begin to feel less tentative at the idea of taking action or causing waves.

By honoring your courage to live a kick-ass life, you double-down on your commitment, in turn letting the universe know you mean business and inviting it to keep its support coming.

One of the definitions listed in the dictionary for the word “independent” is “not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct.” I’ll raise a glass to that any day!

So if you’re ready to wave your flag, I say Happy Independence Day to YOU! Here’s to no more following what others think you should do and to no more letting others’ limitations hold you back.