Independence

Today is July 4^th, and in the United States we are celebrating Independence Day.

Independence is a relative term. We can enjoy different levels of freedom in different areas of our lives. I think we all strive for independence from something… To varying degrees, we all feel bound by other people, circumstances, expectations, or our own beliefs about where we can go and what we can do. Our beliefs can be the most insidious, because they are invisible.

If you’re reading this, you have probably heard the statement that we are only limited by our own beliefs. Of course, even though beliefs have no physical existence, they can be strong enough to paralyze us. Our beliefs were built up over time, when we either repeatedly heard the same message or when we believed one statement and kept finding evidence to support it over time.

Gaining independence from those beliefs can take a long time, too. I have managed to change some of my beliefs by listening to the same books and teachers over a period of time. A friend of mine told me that she changes a belief about herself if three people independently tell her something that negates the belief. That makes sense to me, and I have adopted that method, too.

So this Independence day, I am taking some time to think about what beliefs are still limiting my progress and planning my strategy to gain freedom from them.

How about you? Have you recently gained independence from a belief you’ve held for a long time? Do you have a quick method or rule for defeating a belief quickly? Leave a comment!

Until next time, remember… We are all magnificent.