It’s July Fourth and today we can declare our own independence. We can take a few minutes to write up our own declaration. Here’s mine.

I am an independent, emotionally autonomous country.

I declare that I have the right to be happy despite the fact that people around me are stuck.

I have the right set my own boundaries and decide what is in my best interest. I have the right to defend myself from attacks, verbal or physical. At the same, I have the responsibility of not doing to another what I don’t want them to do to me. In other words, I have to demand from myself what I demand from everyone else.  Furthermore, I can be gentle with myself if I make mistakes. Government leaders do make mistakes though rare is one who admits them. But I can make amends. (Or enact an amendment. And nobody else has to read it.)

I can take care of myself emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally.

I can strive to better myself.

I can use my monetary funds at my own discretion but be fiscally responsible.

I can volunteer to help others but keep in mind the idea that I have to help myself first. I’ll remember the Airplane Law and put on my oxygen mask on before I attempt to help others.

I can be the land of the free and the home of the brave. I can, in my own mind, strive for courage and clarity of thinking.

I will keep my speeches brief. I will not engage in platitudes that don’t bring about changes. I will remember that I serve best as power of example without too much self-promotion.

I will remember that even if others get upset at my independence, I must live my own life. A life lived always searching for others’ approval will keep me miserable.

This is my Declaration of Independence. What’s yours?