Every year as the 4th of July rolls around we find ourselves prepping for massive rooftop BBQ’s, smuggling illegal fireworks in from Mexico, and concocting a beach ball size bowl of potato salad. Independence day celebrations are hard to beat. But, let us not forget what this glorious day is all about. Freedom.
Though we still have many civil rights issues to solve, Americans hold more rights then the vast majority of other nations. Are you using them to your advantage?
Here are 4 ways to gain more freedom:
1.) Build your own online business: Screw the man and build your own. There is a ton of information out there on how to escape the 9-5 and create the lifestyle of your dreams. Lifestyle design by definition. Use your passions to brainstorm business ideas. Maybe a fashion boutique is in the cards or perhaps you’ll do what I have and build an online business so you can travel the world for the rest of your life. The possibilities are endless. It just takes realizing that those options are available to each and everyone one of us and acting. There are enough followers, what this world needs is more leaders.
2.) Practice Mindfulness for 20 mins: Free yourself from your mind. It’s endless babbling and stress won’t phase you if you blissfully quiet it for a short period of time everyday. Once you get into a daily practice you’ll crave those thoughtless moments and interject more of them into your day.
3.) Take Your Vacation Time: Two to four weeks off a year is complete madness. If this is your current situation I hope you practice #2 above and at least take the time you are given. I can’t tell you how many people I know save their vacation time in exchange for a little more money at the end of the year. Honestly, do you feel that is living? Giving up your precious time for money. How important is money in the grand scheme of things? You and only you decide the value of your money. Is buying a new car every year, or partying every weekend important when it could be better spent on soaking in the rest of life? Decide what is more important to you.
4.) Plan A Day For Wandering: Be a traveler for a day. Set one day a week where you have no plans, no to-do’s and can just have a good wander. Step outside in the morning and see where the day leads you. The unknown is exhilarating. We just need to get used to it.
Though I won’t be home for the celebrations I wish everyone a fantastic 4th! We are truly blessed to be born on American soil, so use those rights. I’ll be sipping some champagne and BBQ-ing with some fellow expatriates down under.
This post was brought to you by Only In A Woman’s World.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes! Definitely things we should all remember, especially on a day dedicated to freedom!
I love the image you picked as a header for this blog, by the way. Some people think Banksy is kitschy, but I still think he has great social significance (and a cunning wit).
Love the suggestions, Amber! I went to lunch today at a place only 20 mins from my house in a new, adorable little city… and was reminded how fun it is to be a tourist so close to home! It really is all in just changing your frame of mind, and being open to a day of wandering, and new experiences. Thanks for the inspiration, again. And hope you had a happy 4th, down under!
@Colin- i love the image as well. I absolutely adore Banksy’s work. We need more creative people in this world. Images can be so powerful…exactly why I use them in each article. Happy 4th!
@Karen- that’s awesome. Isn’t it funny how simple it is to experience new things? Just changing the scenery makes a huge difference. I had a great time sipping some wine with fellow expats. I’ve only been able to find two Americans down here. haha…i guess americans just don’t travel.
Very nice post.
So many people think the good life is in the future and happiness will come later, but they need to realise the good life is right now. Happiness is right now.
You need to learn to create it and live every life to the fullest:)
Thanks for the great post
Diggy
upgradereality.com
the banksy painting caught my eye. i had to read this
mindfullness is so key. nevermind 20 minutes. constant mindfullness
also really recommend time out breaks where you just chill and become present and mindful of mindfulness itself. as hippy and hokey as that sounds 
really like the idea of planning a day for wandering
wrote a post a little while back on my site called “buddhist butchers and adventures of change” – really similar to your idea. also guest posted about it on questforbalance.
inspiring stuff all round
stumbled!!
keep well and in touch
alex – unleashreality