What Independence Day Taught Me About Personal Freedom
Over the Fourth of July holiday, I’ve been reflecting on the power of self-government, sovereignty and independence.
These core American values were instrumental in birthing a nation unlike the world had ever seen.
Independence Day represents:
The birth of the United States as an independent nation…
The Declaration of Independence, 1776
And the definition of independence is:
... a condition of a person, nation, country, or state in which its residents and population, or some portion thereof, exercise self-government, and usually sovereignty over its territory.
The Declaration of Independence, 1776
It got me wondering, what does it mean to exercise independence, sovereignty and self-government on a personal level, and could that have a similar impact on each of our lives as they did on the nation?
I believe it absolutely can.
The United States began as purely an idea, a vision. It was no different from the vision you have for your life.
I invite you to take time this month to reflect on how you can have personal independence and sovereignty over yourself and your inner state, and create your own form of self-government within to birth something new in your own life.
As you explore these qualities within yourself, and begin to apply them powerfully to your life using the steps below, you may find that your vision is closer than you ever imagined.
4 Steps to Discover Personal Independence and Birth Your Dream
1. Learn the Art of Responding
It can be so easy to react to situations automatically, without thinking. The beauty of self-governance is it allows us to take control.
Instead of reacting, we can respond to circumstances thoughtfully and intentionally.
It all starts with noticing when you’re reacting, and making a choice as to how you want to respond. You can ask, “Who do I want to be in this moment? What quality do I want to embody?”
Now you are in control and instead of reacting based on old habits, you can respond in a way that aligns with the version of you living your vision.
2. Listen to the Signals
Our intuition speaks to us in two signals: longing and discontent. What you desire and what you’re ready to change.
When you listen to these signals and make choices based on them, you will give birth to your most authentic vision.
3. Get Vision Focused
Writing out a vision for your life based on what you would love, that answers your longing and discontent, is a beautiful expression of your independence and sovereignty.
Your vision is not based on what you think you “should” do, what other people want you to do or what your circumstances say you can do. It is about trusting yourself, listening to your inner guidance and asserting your personal freedom.
And as you focus on the vision, you will start thinking on that level. You will start to have ideas and see opportunities that match your vision and point you in the direction of your dreams.
4. Act Accordingly
It’s all well and good to be inspired by your vision, but this last step is the most crucial: taking action.
When you have a thought, or are given an opportunity to move toward your vision, just DO it.
It can feel scary, uncomfortable or intimidating to do something new, but it only feels that way because your vision exists outside of your current comfort zone.
Once you take the step, like making the sales call, hiring the trainer or going on the first date, it’s not scary anymore. You’ve leveled up just by taking action toward your dreams!
Enjoy the process and here's to your greater independence!