A lot has happened in the world over the past few months. There have been moments of deep tragedy, moments where humility and humanity have been tested and for many, moments where we've questioned the meaning of freedom. But there have also been stepping stones made, seeds planted and lives changed for the better. There have been little kernels of hope, odds defied and progress made. Independence day is around the corner and for me its a friendly reminder of how lucky I am to have the freedom to do what I love in life. I truly believe that when people are able to pursue their passions they are able to contribute to more community conversations and support others.
Fourth of July is a celebration of America's independence. It is symbolic of the way we can push through anything. Summer is a time of rest and reflection. This fourth of July I encourage you to take a moment to step away from the Barbecues and pool parties and think about your own independence! Here are few ways how:
Find Your Roots
Have you ever wondered what it was like growing up in the time your parents did? How your ancestors got to this country? Many of us don't take time to really dig into our roots and family history. This fourth of July I encourage you to spend some time on the phone or talking with a family member and asking about your history. Knowing where you come from helps you have a clearer sense of where you're going. You may discover that there are ancestors in your life that have overcome enormous hardships, fought in wars, advocated for peace. You become a stronger individual when you connect with the people who have helped create you.
Write Your Own Declaration
Understanding where you come from can actually help you feel more prepared and more excited to build a future for yourself and the people you love. Write down your goals for the next day,week, month, six months and year. Don't shy away from big dreams. Want to apply to graduate school? Fly a plane? Go to space? Make amends with the person who wronged you? Apologize to the person who you wronged? Allow your list to be as far reaching as you want it to be. Some may seem unreachable. Yes, you may not go to space in one year or find the courage to call that person tomorrow but by writing down what you want you acknowledge it. You begin a journey toward greater self awareness.
#OwnYourMood
If you're angry be angry. If you're happy be happy. Be the independent person that you are. Don't let anyone else tell you how to feel. Always remember that you hold the reigns of your own life and thereby your emotions. One of my biggest tenants in my classes is the concept of owning your mood. I believe that emotional weight- the weight of the words you speak and the emotions you feel - is equally if not more important to staying healthy than physical weight. Feeling balanced emotionally starts with understanding and taking ownership over your moods and thoughts. So, the next time you're feeling stressed about a work assignment, or furious at a loved one try to think about and name the mood and emotions you're feeling. Then ask yourself where these feelings are coming from. What do you need to do to channel or get rid of that mood? Work out? Dance around your living room? meditate? Never be angry at yourself for feeling but always aim to understand your emotional life. I promise it will lead you to a stronger sense of self and a stronger sense of the people around you.
Remember that independence isn't just about speaking out or making choices on your own. It's about connecting with your history, understanding and owning your emotional life and taking the reigns of your own future. You are a strong and powerful person built from strong and powerful communities of people. So happy independence day to you!