This seemed a pertinent post – excerpt from my book…
This is a big day for all those in the US obviously but Being independent means more than being separate. The US celebrations are based on becoming free from the tyranny of the British Empire but what does being independent mean on an individual scale?
For me, this means taking responsiblity for myself, my actions, my welfare and every other aspect of my life. That doesn’t mean I don’t want an ambulance to turn up if I need it, or the police to come to my rescue if I’m being mugged – I pay taxes to ensure those are available when I need them. But I try not to put myself in harm’s way from injury or violation – and that’s my responsibility.
Independence also means making my own way in life too, I work for myself now but when I worked for someone else I never felt like I was owed a job, I knew I had to earn it. I knew if I made a mistake or didn’t have the skills that I would suffer the consequences. So, I always made sure I overdelivered, improved my skills by continually learning and was always very conscientious. Because of that commitment I’ve never been fired.
Being independent is not always possible. If you are in any way impaired to such an extent that you need help from others to either get around or look after yourself or earn money you can still be independent of thought. All too often we lean on people emotionally, usually those closest to us, to fulfil some need we have. This comes from a sense of lack. Even when you need somebody to help you, you don’t need that somebody to help you. You could get that help from somebody else. As soon as you make someone else responsible for your feelings about something you have relinquished being independent.
We are not always responsible for the things that happen to us, but we are responsible for how we react to those things.
Consider today in what ways you may not be taking full responsibility and therefore not being independent.
Enjoy
Stu
🙂
PS: Try out the first 79 pages of my book: ‘How To Change Your Life One Day At A Time‘ at no cost simply by opting in to my complimentary video training series here: (CLICK HERE)
the ChangeYourLife blog 
Stu,
I love your tie in to Independence Day. Perfect.
Teaching is my profession. Here is what I try and have my students understand. “We are ALL self employed.” Whether you generate your own income or someone writes you a check. every action we take is a signature of who we are. Each task and job leads us to the next opportunity. If you approach every task as though you are self employed, soon you will be.
I’m enjoying your blogs. Loved the Anthony Robbins video yesterday. Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Dauna Easley
Thanks Dauna, that’s a great concept to teach your students. Glad you’re enjoying it here – I appreciate your comments. Have a great 4th of July! 🙂
Well said, Stu! Happy Independence Day to you! 🙂
You too Christy. 🙂
Hi Stu, Happy 4th of July to you, it is a day to celebrate our independence as you said, very inspiring… Thank you!
You’re welcome Tina – I enjoyed your blog post today. 🙂
Thanks, I plan to watch the Tony Robbins video a little later when I can have some quite time. I really like what he has to say and have enjoyed his books.
The man’s a genius! I’ve learned so much from his techniques and strategies over the last few years.
Thanks for this post. The parts that resonated the most to me were: ‘As soon as you make someone else responsible for your feelings about something you have relinquished being independent. We are not always responsible for the things that happen to us, but we are responsible for how we react to those things.’ Wise words I’ll keep in mind.
Thanks for your comment Tebogo, it’s not always easy – I have to remind myself of this every time I feel resentful towards someone. With practice though the time spent in negative emotions gets shorter and shorter. It’s a process. 🙂
A worthwhile process. As long as it pays off eventually, it’s worth a try. Thanks again for calling this to my attention (that is, thanks for writing) 🙂
You’re welcome. 🙂
Hey Stu,
I really enjoyed this especially the part of people with physical limitations. While it is true they are dependent on other people to one extent or the other, look at Stephen Hawkings, quite possibly the best mind the human race has ever seen. While he is completely immobile and totally dependent on others for his care, he breaks through these barriers with his mind and is totally independent in that way.
Exactly, great example Jim. We’re all guilty of being irresponsible – the opportunity arises to ‘notice’ when its happening so we get a chance to alter it. Thanks for coming by. 🙂
Great post. Love your positive attitude and outlook. I look forward to reading more.
Thanks Ladywise – there’s a lot here to browse! Be sure to take advantage of the first 79 pages of my book at no cost by opting in here: (CLICK HERE)
Reblogged this on Gr8fullsoul.