Independence Day

Independence is in the eye of the beholder.

I can remember when I saw independence as an iconic American virtue. The independence declared by the original colonies is reflected in many of the heroes of the American story; settlers carving homes from the frontier, men and women exploring earth and space, law enforcement officials working to do justice.

The American story celebrates not only the independence of our country, but the independence we share as people.   Our movies tell the story with countless examples of strong, solid heroes who reminded us of our commitment to the rightness of our beliefs.

My understanding of independence is changing.

I recognize that I am connected and related to so many people, all over the world. It is a challenge to be independent when I am so obviously dependent on others.

My independence is no longer so firmly entwined with the idea that I am right, a lone hero holding onto the answer in the face of obstacles and opposition. Independence is becoming something deeper, something more personal to me.

I am beginning to understand that I am independent, not because of what I think, but because of who I am. I do not stand before the world as the beacon of the right answer. I stand before the world as myself.

I am independent because I am the true authority on my own core values, my own vision for my life, and my own decisions about how to put my deepest self into practice in the world.

I am independent because I am the only person who can be me. I am unique, and I am surrounded by a unique network of support.

How do you see your independence today?

How will you express your independence tomorrow?

[Image by AndYaDontStop]