Give Me Liberty or Give Me Another Chance

Everyone celebrates Independence Day in their own way. Some go to the pool, some spend the day grilling, and some just wait the whole day for the fireworks show.

Last year, I did all three. And I always thought it must be pretty fun for those kids whose birthdays were on July 4th—pretending all the parades and fireworks were happening just for them.

This year, I thought I would try something a little different. While I very much appreciate the sacrifices our forefathers made to create this great country and ensure that we all have the freedom to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, this year I’m taking “independence day” a little more personally. I’m taking this “just-past-mid-year” break to look at the New Year resolutions that have long since faded away and declare my independence from whatever it is that’s holding me back.

Resolution 1
Independence From Those 10 (or 20) Extra Pounds

Yes, it is the New Year’s Resolution that everyone makes and almost everyone breaks. I think I lasted about one month this year. With the Fourth of July occurring at the beginning of the week, it seems like as good of a time as any to try and start that diet again. I’ll declare my independence from “bad-for-you” carbs and further declare my dependence on exercise and eating right. The hardest part for me is declaring my independence from French fries, potato chips and bagels.

Resolution 2
Independence From Too Much Work and Too Little Play

I look at how many days I come home so tired from work I had to fight to get the kids through their homework and it makes me wonder. How can I prioritize my time better? And if I can’t, what would give us more quality versus quantity time? The recent electricity blackout gave me a little perspective—no TV, no Nintendo DS, no laptop computer with Internet.   

And while I’m at it I would like to declare my independence from a few other things that have been bugging me lately. Nothing major, and these will most likely never happen as many are out of my control—but it feels better just to put them down on paper.

• Independence from buying all my clothes at Target.
• Independence from getting held up by the train every time I cross the tracks at Main Street.
• Independence from having my kids walk in on me my while I’m in the shower.
• Independence from giving into my kids when they ask me for something while I’m on the phone.
• Independence from buying Christmas gifts in July and forgetting where I put them by December.

And, of course, there are a couple of things from which I refuse to declare my independence: Facebook, iPhone, iced chai tea lattes, saying prayers with my girls at bedtime, and doing my best to have dinner as a family every night.

Here’s wishing everyone their own personal Independence Day!