“Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility.” – Oprah
Having a holiday right in the middle of the week throws me off. It’s a little unbalanced as I jump into work for two days to then enjoy a day off…and then jump back into work again. Like a free day in the middle, it’s appreciated but not quite long enough on either side. That said…I’m looking forward to celebrating both independence and freedom.
The last few years with all of the change in the world and news stories from the Middle East, the thought of “independence” has become clearer and more appreciated. While people have been fighting since the beginning of time for independence, sometimes it takes social media and cable news to make you understand just how life changing freedom is…and how many opportunities and blessings you have just for living in a country that affords you this independence. As I write, I realize that I have freedom of expression and of what words that I use or books that I read. I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to become educated and self-sufficient…own property and businesses. I can walk where I want, fall in love with whom ever I want…travel freely…speak freely…live freely. I have challenged authority and have questioned openly. I have been able to grow into who I am with an open mind, empowered by others who speak and teach and encourage us to live our best lives and see the world and each person as equal.
There is a time in your life when you arrive to a certain point and the focus sharpens. Like on a camera when you look through the viewfinder and move the lens to just the right place where everything finally becomes clear. It’s like seeing it for the first time. I realize, freedom has become a little more clear for me. Years ago, someone decided for us that independence and freedom were worth fighting for. We – the future – were worth standing up for…and on and on the cycle goes.
Today, we celebrate. Take a moment wherever you are and appreciate what freedoms you do have. Freedom to speak your mind, cast a vote, have an opinion, explore opportunities, move freely about the world and make all kinds of choices. Take a moment to say thank you to those who stood up and keep standing up for these freedoms that you have…and at the same time, wish this same freedom for every single person in the world…so that one day, they too can be celebrating their own independence day.