{"id":8996,"date":"2017-07-01T11:59:09","date_gmt":"2017-07-01T15:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/blissblog\/?p=8996"},"modified":"2017-07-01T11:59:09","modified_gmt":"2017-07-01T15:59:09","slug":"my-own-declaration-of-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/blissblog\/2017\/07\/my-own-declaration-of-independence.html","title":{"rendered":"My Own Declaration of Independence"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"fireworksrainbow\"<\/a><\/p>\n

July 1, 2o17<\/p>\n

In a few days, America will celebrate its birthday with parades and picnics, fun and fireworks. In my childhood, it meant time with extended family and friends engaged in all of those activities and remain in the recesses of my mind and heart. I smile in recollection. For me, as a world citizen and not just one born in the U.S, it is is not about patriotism and nationalism. I embrace a multi-cultural and multi-spiritual life. My celebrations this weekend will include drumming circles, potluck gatherings, pool lounging and offering one of my FREE Hug<\/a>s events in Philly. The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection awaits.<\/p>\n

I also think of this as the perfect opportunity to declare my own freedom which I break down into two categories:<\/p>\n

Freedom from\u00a0<\/strong>and freedom to, <\/strong>in order to change my life.<\/p>\n

I declare independence from\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

fear<\/p>\n

a belief that I can’t be financially prosperous<\/p>\n

denial of my talents<\/p>\n

limiting thoughts of any kind<\/p>\n

my history, knowing that it need not be my destiny<\/p>\n

feeling intimidated by anyone<\/p>\n

not enough\/too much thoughts about myself<\/p>\n

envy of those who have what I want in life<\/p>\n

carrying the weight of the world<\/p>\n

self-judgment about being single for so many years<\/p>\n

resentments<\/p>\n

judgments of others<\/p>\n

fear of speaking my truth<\/p>\n

asking for only what I think people will say yes to<\/p>\n

pitching my work for fear that it\/I will be rejected<\/p>\n

second guessing my choices<\/p>\n

I declare freedom to<\/strong><\/p>\n

live out loud<\/p>\n

take my light out from under a bushel<\/p>\n

be colorful<\/p>\n

be bold and badass<\/p>\n

release caring what everyone thinks about my choices<\/p>\n

love whoever and however I choose<\/p>\n

ask for whatever I want, being able to accept the answer no matter what it is<\/p>\n

rock the boat and make waves<\/p>\n

go out on a limb<\/p>\n

be on the world stage<\/p>\n

do a TED talk<\/p>\n

be in a committed life relationship with the love of my life<\/p>\n

be emotionally naked and vulnerable<\/p>\n

live authentically<\/p>\n

shrug off disapproval<\/p>\n

determine what I want and go for it, audaciously<\/p>\n

take the time to BE and not do, more often<\/p>\n

be self-compassionate<\/p>\n

let go gracefully<\/p>\n

be open to receive<\/p>\n

Feeling my freedom~<\/p>\n