In Dependence or Independence?

United States Independence Day

July 4th, 2019

July 4th is a celebration of our nation winning its independence. This year marks the 243rd anniversary. Not a typical landmark to get excited about but did you know 243 is the only independence day celebration that will happen during our lifetimes that is a fifth power of a number. The 32nd anniversary was the fifth power before this one and probably got looked over as well. The next one isn’t for another 781 years. It just goes to show that no matter how insignificant something seems at first glance, it may be important in its own way. It all depends on your perspective!

Independence or In Dependence - The choice is yours!

"Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, You are right." Henry Ford

How you live life is a decision based on your perspective as well. Dependence is the "state of relying on or being controlled by someone else." You choose whether you live in dependence or not.  If you get a flat tire, do you call roadside assistance to change it for you or do you get out and change it yourself? Independence is a journey that starts with a simple change and can cascade to all aspects of your life from there. If you don’t know how to change a tire, it could be your first step. Learn how, practice it, and the next time you get a flat you’ll be ready to take care of it independently. No more sitting by waiting at the mercy of someone else’s schedule. After all, the best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your own arm!

Maybe it’s 100+ degrees out, or pouring rain, and you start second guessing how independent you’re feeling. Just remember, your life is a story! Would you rather tell the part about giving up and calling for someone else to solve your problem for you, or the part about taking on an adverse situation, overcoming the obstacle, and persevering through hell or high water?

"The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.” - Bob Moawad

Changing your tire doesn’t sound like much in itself but the feeling of accomplishment you get from solving your own problems is contagious. Start small and a few little changes will start to snowball. Independence can be carrying enough cash to fill your gas tank if the electricity is out, or buy groceries in case your credit card stops working. It can be having a needle and thread on hand to make on-the-fly repairs on wedding day, or a small amount of duct tape to save the day when your kid's beach ball springs a leak. It can even be as small as carrying a pen so you don’t have to ask to borrow one! Again, it may seem silly but try it.

Independence is empowering

It's life-changing.

It's freedom!

This 4th of July, the day of independence for the United States, let's challenge each other's states of independence!

"The highest manifestation of life consists in this: that a being governs its own actions. A thing which is always subject to the direction of another is somewhat of a dead thing." - Thomas Aquinas

Don't be dead, be a survivor. Don't be a victim, be a hero. Don't be part of the problem, be the solution! Let's stay curious, explore, learn, and continue expanding our comfort zones. Let's take on challenging, uncomfortable situations to come out stronger on the other side. Let's lead by example and be the best version of our independent and sovereign selves!

Happy Independence Day everyone!

     - Nick and The Wazoo Crew