July 4th – A Great Day To Become Independent

When we think of the Fourth of July, we’re reminded that our country declared its independence from Great Britain. This meant we would no longer depend on Great Britain for support or pay taxes to them. But freedom didn’t happen overnight. Many lives were lost, and many hardships had to be faced. Our country wasn’t wealthy back then, and many people struggled to make ends meet.

It required a sustained commitment by those responsible for establishing and organizing our early standards for self-governance as a free nation.

July 4^th doesn’t have to be just a historical event with fireworks and parties. You can also mark it on your calendar as a special day when you declare your independence from something that has been weighing you down for too long. You’ll be free from something that depletes your assets, energy, and self-esteem. It could be drugs or alcohol, or even something less life-threatening like overspending or electronic addiction. Or maybe there’s something about your personality that no longer serves you, such as anger, anxiety, seeking immediate gratification, or impatience.

To break free from unwanted behavior, you first need to realize that even though that behavior provides you with something, it also takes away much more. Maybe you’ve been fighting it for a long time and feel stuck in an endless struggle. The only way to win a war with a habit or addiction is to stop fighting. You surrender. You say, “You win,” and walk away. Then you leave the battlefield forever.

The next step is to stop telling yourself you miss what was harming you or others. By severing the ties, you are now free to see the old behavior for what it was—a constant drain on you.

Lastly, you replace toxic behavior with loving behavior. Every time you think of the old action, you engage in the new one. For example, when I quit smoking, I discovered the pleasure of freshly brewed tea. I went to specialty tea shops and purchased several types. These were my treats at the time of day when I would most think about smoking. I also went for walks. I learned how to take deep breaths and appreciate my lungs rather than using them as a place to harbor poisonous tar and other toxins.

One person told me that instead of getting angry at someone, she had to say something nice to them. This acted as positive reinforcement for both until the energy neutralized, allowing issues to be addressed from a place of love and neutrality.

If anxiety is weighing you down, consider exploring the root of your fear. This can help you free yourself from the invisible ghost that constantly haunts you.

No matter the habit, July 4^th can be a day to declare your independence from a war you cannot win.

You can build on small successes, starting with the easiest vices to overcome. Once you replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones, you’ll be more likely to keep shedding the battles you’re tired of losing.

Make sure to mark your calendar; it might be one of the most important days of your life.

JOIN OUR MOVEMENT TO SAVE MILLIONS OF LIVES FROM ADDICTION.