Freedom FOCUSED on the Spirit of Independence in the Land of Opportunity
Donna J. Spina PCC Business Leadership Career ICF Coach
Start With Heart People Leader | FOCUSED Solopreneurs, Micro Business Owners | Executives Advance Without Burnout | Animal Lover
According to the History Channel:
“The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by?Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades, and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.”
That’s the significance of this day to the USA and all its citizens. It’s one way to define “independence”.
What might “independence” mean to an individual? From the dictionary, it means “freedom from outside control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.”
A more personal interpretation relates to Self-Direction, Self-Care, and Self-Love. Making your own decisions and designing your own strategies without being pushed, shamed, or coerced by others.
Emotional, Mental, and Financial are the three aspects needed to fully embrace true independence. ?Each piece developed is uniquely personal to you. Your Personal Independence will evolve as you age and be impacted by circumstances far outside your control.
FOCUSING on Emotional Independence, managing thoughts and feelings, creates a shift to pursuing your highest potential: a happy, fulfilled, honest, and authentic life. Others may assist on the journey. Ultimately, the job is yours to self-discover. ?
Sustaining Mental Independence is important. It fosters the ability to be self-reliant and self-sufficient. You think for yourself rather than just follow the crowd. To form an opinion, you routinely gather facts supplemented by self-reflection from experiences and your clear core beliefs and values. That requires shedding the borrowed ones you probably unconsciously picked up from others in your life. You trust yourself, your capabilities, and take responsibility for your own actions and outcomes.
The third piece is Financial Independence. You have sufficient resources to underwrite your life. You do not have to ask others for permission or money. The bonus is when you work diligently to find your passion then hone it into making a profitable living.
Developing your level of these three independence attributes matters whether being self-employed or an aspiring employee.?They are the foundation on which everything else is built upon.
The quality of your relationships, achievements, career, or business success… your entire life… will always be a reflection on how well you actively choose to lead it using these three basic attributes.
When those three parts coexist, you are officially your own best friend too!
领英推荐
Pursuing the path of Personal Independence boosts self-esteem, self-confidence, and resilience to face all life’s challenges then move through them. Your positive influence, well-crafted personal branding, will organically attract and impact others in a meaningful and powerful manner.
For the July 4th holiday, let’s cherish the ones who gave all they had and paid a heavy price to make our independence possible. Things seen and done in war can never be erased. They take a toll on any human being’s mind and heart forever. Some get lost. Some come home lost. Freedom is not free, it’s hard to earn, and we are blessed to have it.
Honor the nearly million lives sacrificed by appreciating everything you already are, have, and aspire to be. Trust that Lady Liberty’s light guides your path.
“The Constitution gives people the right to pursue happiness.?
You have to catch it yourself.” -Benjamin Franklin
Happy Independence Day America! May the bold, brave, big dreams for a new and better tomorrow for all come true!
Your Guide to FOCUS Forward,
Donna
Why SUBSCRIBE to the FOCUSED Leaders Coaching Newsletter?
Your time and livelihood are precious. So are mine. I aspire to share my 100% me, BS-free point of view, hard-earned knowledge and experience to support our budding meaningful connection.?By making the complex simple, my purpose is to disrupt your thinking in a good way! Your constructive insights are always welcome.
If so inclined, scroll back to the top and hit the blue?SUBSCRIBE badge. LinkedIn will notify you of the next edition. No FOMO or being overburdened with reminders. Keep it simple, right???