independent & united

I value independence – the personal freedom that has been given to us in this country, often at great cost, to act and speak and think freely. Even though I’ve daydreamed more frequently than I like to admit about living in other places, other parts of the world that consume less and value health and balance more than the bottom line, I realize that the beauty of independent thought and action is that we have the freedom to opt out of the parts of our culture that don’t serve us. We have the freedom to create our own way of living.

We have a choice, and not everyone in this world can say that.

I’ve always had a bit of an independent streak. I’ve never wanted to be a part of the herd or follow the crowd. I’ve always been more than willing to step outside of the box, leaving behind more traditional ideas and paths for my own way of seeing and doing things.

I’ve always questioned what is considered normal or mainstream or status quo. I’ve always pushed against what everyone else accepts without question believing that there has to be another, better way to live, be, and experience the world that we live in.

It is this desire to be independent that has defined some of the most critical moments in my life from selecting a college or a career path to how to raise my children.

For as long as I can remember, I do my own thing, make my own plans, forge my own path. My independent streak is so strong that I won’t even start watching Orange is the New Black because everyone else is already watching it. I know. Totally unnecessary.

And while grateful for that freedom, there is a downside to trying to make my own way. Being a pioneer is often a solitary pursuit and my independence can sometimes come off like I don’t need help and can handle whatever life throws at me on my own. And that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Being independent often makes me stubborn, closed off to help, and it can be hard to make myself vulnerable. Even though I know and believe that real connection is formed in moments of vulnerability. This is something that I’m always working on and struggling with.

This weekend as we celebrate our collective American spirit of pioneers and the willingness to shake off what is expected and invent something new, I’m working on remembering that doesn’t mean going it alone. We’re stronger when we’re connected. United.

Happy Birthday America!

Have a very real weekend.