Natural Living: Unlock your freedom for the Fourth of July

Every year we celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends through parades, fireworks, barbecues, baseball games and libations in commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776 during the American Revolution, which freed the United States from Great Britain rule. It is a celebration of the founding of the country, the land of the free.

The United States prides itself on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We say we are a country of individuality and freedom. How free are you?

In 2006, 91 percent of Americans were satisfied with their freedom to choose what they do with their lives. In 2013, this number dropped 12 points to only 79 percent. With the recent election, it is apparent that this number has continued declining. We have heard people’s voices standing up for equal rights in race, class and their right to choose, while on the other side people are stonewalling them.

Millions of people throughout the world dream of coming to America, the land of the free. So then why do millions of people in the land of the free feel shackled to their lives due to their jobs, debt, family responsibilities, medical issues and much more? This is a question each and every one of us needs to ask ourselves while celebrating the Fourth of July and how it impacts our lives. Of course we can celebrate the freedom of our country, but why not go deeper and unlock your freedom in your own life and pursue true happiness!

Here are a few ways to start unlocking your freedom and pursue true happiness:

Live your passion: Write down what you are passionate about and evaluate this in your own life. Are you living out these passions? Be creative and find ways to start implementing them in your life.

Enjoy your job: Many people pursue life under the recommendations of others, “go to school, go to college, get a job, get married, have a baby, save money and retire.” There is nothing wrong with this, but often we find we have so much “stuff” and later ask ourselves did we live our life to its fullest? You can break the confines of the societal norm and do what you love or do what brings you joy. If you are in a job you hate, but need retirement and food on the table, reevaluate, get creative and ask yourself how you can either find more happiness in your job or change your path with a plan to succeed in something you love. Don’t get stuck in a rut!

Renew your passport: We can get out of our box when we experience other cultures and see the beauty that they live, though it may be different we can all learn to be happier and content. We become more resilient, accepting of others and worldlier, experiencing the beautiful colors of our planet.

Choose to be around like-minded people: Uplift yourself by surrounding yourself with friends you relate to that build you up, not knock you down. Free yourself from toxic people who tear you down or influence bad decision making in your life.

Create joy: Change what you are not happy with in your life and create the joy you envision. Take bite-size pieces in your life and bring joy to your diet, job, relationship and others around you and be blessed with the joy that you will receive back.

Do the impossible: Break the chains and strive for your goals even if others have told you it is impossible. Nothing is impossible, only our mind-set allows anything to be possible.

Enjoy the ride: Sometimes we work so hard for what we want we forget about the journey that takes us there. Live every day in the moment and enjoy the adventure in your journey.

Be yourself, everyone else is taken: Each and every one of us is beautiful and unique in our own way. When we strive to be ourselves that beauty will shine.

Change your attitude: Catch yourself when you are judging others or thinking ill thoughts. It only creates illness within you.

Live from your heart: When you follow your heart, you can’t go wrong. Lead your life from this space and feel love all around you.

Find the good in others: Often when we criticize others we are only judging that same thing in ourselves. There is good in everyone and if we have the patience to find it we will be blessed by it.

Spread love: Smile, lend a helping hand, complement yourself and others around you. When you put out love you receive love and this is what we are all striving for.

When we start living our lives as though we are free and able, not only do we feel more happiness but we affect everyone around us and help them with their pursuit of happiness and freedom as well. So, get out there and free yourself while inspiring others!