Choose. You are in control. Independence as a concept is available to us right now. No illness, scenario, person or circumstance owns this day. See yourself as independent and separate from all insults and injuries. Accept the love, support and devotion but break free from tethers to the past that slow, limit or even stop movement toward your rightful wonderful life. It takes tremendous emotional and psychological energy to drag experiences, people, fears and anxieties into each new day. Some of us are very good at it. In fact maybe experts. But wake up to what works for you and reach forward.
Dis-ease just adds to the unease. There are a million questions entering the mind at first light. All valid but not helpful. You cannot medicate or meditate them away. Fear will paralyze and even erase any possibility of joy for today- the day you actually do have and can control. “Well, Joanne, what do you recommend, these are my issues? They are huge and terrifying, hurtful and powerful.” We think that if we ponder again and again and ruminate and plot and plan that we will develop answers But these tethers and driving thoughts just enhance and never negate the angst.
When the founding fathers ordered life and limb to the efforts, they didn’t say, “Let’s push back a little. Let’s just raise a fist and King George and the Loyalists will give in”. They came at the problem with ferocity unheard of anywhere in the world. Breaking free from subjugation and oppression didn’t come easy because generations had grown up knowing nothing else. They were easy prey. But dragging more tyranny into the future meant suffering for their own generations to come. They were committed to stop, saw a way to make a change and had courage, vision and conviction.
The Revolutionary War is our legacy. The marking of this occasion should give all of us reason to pause. The decision by young adults to leave behind all family and country to face an unknown world a hundred years ago is a major part of my own history. We dishonor them unless we show similar courage. For many of us, there are well worn grooves in our brains from perseverating over past concerns and trials that only lead to inertia.
If you have faced down cancer and are able to read this. It is a new day. A beginning you deserve to further explore. If you face other trials and pain, leave it today- just try it one time. This is your own independence day. If you are in the battle of disease or suffering, yesterday’s monster disappears when you turn on the light. You will survive today. You will have a great path ahead. The rear view is a small reflection. Look out to a new bright sparkling beginning each day. Be grateful for the determination within you to start anew. Do not depend on any event, anyone, any loss, any gain to make your future great. Every fiber of your own being today yearns to break free. Give power to those thoughts, not the ones holding you back. You deserve your own independence.
The Fourth of July is one day, but its meaning inspires us to boldly look to the future. The world changed, believe that yours can as well.