Today is Independence Day in the United States. As most people in the country band together to celebrate the 234th birthday of our country at local parades, barbecues, softball games and other community events, I think it is an opportune time to reflect on the notion of independence in our lives in general.
Two definitions proposed by Meriam-Webster for the word independence are:
- A state of not being controlled by others; and
- Not requiring or relying on something else.
I don’t agree with those definitions, though. Personally, independence is about much more than the amount of control other people can exert over me, and it certainly is not about going through life alone.
Independence, in my opinion, is about aligning one’s life and one’s actions with the values you hold sacred. In order to to accomplish that feat, I believe we can’t do it alone and must lean on others for wisdom, advice, counseling and support.
On July 4, 1776, the 56 Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence because they believed in something bigger and chose to take action in alignment with their values, regardless of the consequences. Many of those men gave up their possessions, their families and ultimately their lives for a cause they steadfastly believed in. The Founding Fathers and the patriots who supported the cause lived the very essence of independence – taking action in pursuing cherished values.
What is your definition of independence?
For me:
- Independence is exploring and pursuing the things in life that interest me and eliminating those that are negative, draining or irrelevant.
- It’s about living deliberately.
- It’s about forging my own path instead of walking on one forced upon me by society.
- It’s about acting instead of reacting.
- But, most importantly, independence about living true to my values and designing my life around those values.
I celebrate Independence Day every morning when I wake up grateful that I have the flexibility to pursue those things that fulfill and interest me and have a positive impact on other people’s lives.
As a creative entrepreneur, whether you are in the United States or not, take some time to celebrate your own personal Independence Day today.
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