Happy Independence Day! What am I free from? How am I independent? As an American I am free to pursue life - the way I choose to, liberty from any and all things I consider my oppressor, and I am free to pursue that which makes me happy. Happiness is a subjective term, since we know not what lies behind "the skin" of a (wo)man, happiness is what meets me THERE.
I am free to pursue life and living. There is a difference you know. I am alive, because I am breathing. But am I living? That is, living the life I desire to be? For today, I'm happy to be independent and interdependent. But not dependent or codependent. I'm happy to be God's woman. My life "has been a tapestry of rich and royal hue". I am not the girl I once was. My thoughts have developed past the rigid lines they once followed. I have become wise in ways I was unaware of. The interesting thing is, my values have not changed. I still love my God, and I love my family. There is a new addition to my family in recent times - Me. I have learned how to love myself. I have come to realize, acknowledge, trust in the truth, and believe that I am relevant, purposeful, interesting, and valuable. Not only to myself, but to others. But, mostly to myself - and my God.
I am free to pursue my liberty. I am a liberated child of God. I have opportunities that have been set aside for me. Just for me. I am free to pursue them - or not, even. No longer do I have a crown of thorns on my head, allowed to be there - mashed into my skull forcing me to remain in pain and bondage to that which holds me captive, whether thought, feeling, perception or reality. I am a liberated (wo)man. A liberated human being. No longer captive, but now captivated by my hopes and dreams, choices and decisions, future opportunities and present pallet of colors, sounds and smells of life all around me.
Note to self: May I act in courage to actively pursue them from time to time :-)
As a unique and precious creation, I am free to pursue what makes me happy. Even deeper, I am free to define what h-a-p-p-i-n-e-s-s means for me. I am free to define my own "scale of well being" with my own gauges, ticks and pendulum. My gratitude of this awareness and opportunity keeps me grounded and connected to what I value. It causes me to create boundaries of safety and respect - first to myself and second to my neighbor, whomever that may be.
Writing brings me happiness, I am free to pursue writing.
Ask yourself, "What makes me happy?" Now, go pursue it!
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO YOU MY FRIEND!
