Independence. What does it mean to you?
I saw a bumper sticker last week that said “Home of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave.” This message ignited something in me, and I keep thinking about it.
It is one of the things I value most about being an American
It was really brave for our ancestors to leave everything, to brave the unknown journey to come here to participate in starting something new.
It was brave to set up a new and independent government in 1776.
For those who are still fighting for equal rights for all- it is Brave to be doing that.
While our government is not perfect, and there is room to improve, think about the liberties you have to voice your opinion, to march for what you believe and to show up for what matters to you.
Keep doing that! It’s essential that we all do. If you are outraged, commit to speaking that. This can sometimes feel futile- like no one is listening. Or that the listeners want to argue (hello Facebook).
Far more satisfying (to me, anyways) is to make it personal. Relevant. Part of what I do on a daily basis.
Here is what I am doing right now that helps me sleep better at night in this confusing time where freedoms are mixed up:
- Keeping my relationships clear and clean. I say what I need to say to the people in my life, and I free myself to be 100% me.
- Learning about the issues of race and equality from an amazing teacher and I’m rethinking my life and business to have access points to all people from all backgrounds. She is a thought leader on this particular topic, and you will be seeing her more and more- she’s a powerful woman, and her message is so needed and very on point http://www.trudilebron.com
- Challenging myself to drop all slang in conversation that comes from prejudiced roots- it’s everywhere.
- Reaching out to support businesses owned by immigrants and to be pleasant, interested and engaged while doing so rather than on my phone and avoidant of interacting
- Making eye contact and conversation with all people- a smile and warm hello go a long way
- Making an effort to understand the issues from both sides
- Making a strong effort that I include travel destinations that allow me the perspective of being the minority rather than the majority, that I have the opportunity to understand what it feels like to be in unfamiliar settings and need to rely on kind people to help me find my way
- Using my freedoms to read, to speak and to not just be unhappy with the current situation and stew in that unhappiness alone in my mind, but to keep taking actions that make sense to me, and give me a lived experience of how I am shaping someone’s experience of what Americans are likeHow are you stepping forward? What is one way that you are showing up and exercising your freedom to be YOU?
We live in a time, perhaps more than ever, when each one of us is needed to do our part. I’m a firm believer that it includes taking a good look inward as the starting point.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Live it first. Start with you.
Would you consider taking 30 minutes with me to discuss what you would like in your life? With all your freedoms, what are YOU creating for yourself?
I’d love to take the time with you. Send me an email, and we can find a time to talk.
Happy 4th of July and in celebration of Independence and Freedom for all,