4th of July Insights

Happy 4th of July! ??

I've been lucky enough to celebrate the 4th of July in many places with many great people. This year won't be any different.

One of the coolest places was in Shanghai China with my brother, sister-in-law, and my niece. We celebrated at the US Embassy and it was incredibly surreal. The BBQ was going and there were games that you would find just about anywhere in the US. My brother even got mad at me for not eating a hot dog fast enough or slamming my beer during the race we were in. I guess I didn't learn that in college - must have been a UCI thing because he made it look natural.

What this picture really reminds me of is how fast time goes by. My niece in the picture changed my whole view on family. I didn't have a desire to have children or get married until I met her. She completely changed my view and thus my path in life. She's now grown up, in high school, but working this summer - business dress code, ID badge, and all. She's amazing, but has grown up quickly, which also means the rest of us have done the same.

What's really changed in those 16 years since this photo was taken? I can see it in her, but can we see it in ourselves? I hope so.

The 4th of July, or Independence Day, is a holiday in the US commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. To most of us in America, it's really just a good excuse for a BBQ and a few beers. Nothing wrong with that.

I'm thankful for a lot of things this Independence Day and no matter where you are in the world, you can celebrate your Independence as well. Are you truly free? If not, today's a GREAT day to start your journey.

The next 16 years will go by quickly - just as the last 16 years have gone for me. One thing I can promise you is that you'll enjoy those years a lot more if you become the Hero in your own story and live free... you deserve it!

Let me know how you'll be celebrating today - BBQ? Journaling? Or something else?