Independence.

On this Independence Day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a few freedoms.

You have the freedom to be YOURSELF. Completely, totally, entirely Y-O-U. Without excuses, explanations, or apologies.

You have the freedom to pursue the life you’ve always wanted. Starting now. Right now. Yes. Like right this second.

You have the freedom to love unconditionally. To embrace those in your life – just as they are – exactly for who they are. Remember the freedom to be yourself? That applies to everyone else as well. Remember that. And love them anyways.

You have the freedom to embrace all the world has to offer and reject that which doesn’t align with what you want out of it.

You have the freedom to take selfies and think you’re the bee’s knees, the cat’s meow, and all that’s in between. In fact, you BETTER feel that way about yourself. Because if you don’t, then you aren’t really living freely.  You aren’t really appreciating you.

You have the freedom to say NO. And yes. And sometimes maybe.

You have the freedom to be disagreeable – on politics, on what to eat for lunch, or how to parent. And you have the freedom to maintain friendships amidst it all.

You have the freedom to love your flaws – to love all of yourself – even the parts you want to change.

You have the freedom to make choices for you. And your family. And to not have to explain yourself to anyone for any reason.

You have the freedom to dress the way you want, to choose a hairstyle that best fits the inner you, to wear your heart on your sleeve.

You have the freedom to live a life that is perfectly and uniquely yours. And to respect others for doing the same.

You have the freedom to live the most out of every day and to pursue your wildest dreams. Even the most far-fetched of them.