Are You Ready to Declare Your Independence?

by Marc on July 3, 2010

life, liberty, and the pursuit

Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans!

A few centuries ago, the United States of America was built up by courageous people who sold everything and made long, dangerous journeys to the other side of the world for a shot at living life on their own terms.

Today, thanks to their courage and determination, along with that of the brave men and women of our armed forces who leave everything behind to defend our freedom and independence across the globe, we get to live in a country where the opportunities are nearly endless. I am truly grateful to call this country home, especially having seen the limitations and hardships people must endure in many parts of the world.

But are we still the “land of the free, and the home of the brave”? I’m not so sure.

Everywhere I look today, people are worried about their retirement plans, their insurance benefits, their “job security”, complaining that our employers and our government aren’t doing enough to take care of us.

Our ancestors didn’t risk it all to get “good jobs” and a 401(k) plan – they did it to make a LIFE. They sought the opposite of security, which is freedom, and so should we.

I think it’s time we all stop worrying and start living. Stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for our life. It’s time to challenge our fears and embrace liberty. Stop clamoring for security and start pursuing happiness.

This 4th of July, as you enjoy the cookouts and fireworks, make your Declaration of Independence. Decide what you really want out of life, then make a pact with yourself to realize your dreams. Take charge, take risks, and let passion be your guide instead of fear.

Do something awesome. I know you have it in you!

It won’t be easy, of course, but there are lots of people who can help you when you’re ready to take the next step. All you have to do is make up your mind to begin.

Are you ready for your Independence Day? How can I help?

{ 12 comments }

July 4, 2010 Brian Zaugg

Nicely said, Marc!

In line with your comments on financial security, I like this quote from Helen Keller,

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”

Have a terrific Independence Day!

July 7, 2010 Marc

Thanks Brian! that’s a really good quote.

July 8, 2010 Adam

Great post!! My wife and I left it all to go on a year long RTW, but now we’ve been back since October and don’t know what to do. We know that corporate jobs and 1-2 weeks of vacation a year just isn’t going to cut it for us. We thought that our trip was going to “get it out of our systems” and we would return to our home, our jobs, and continue our lives. We did that, but now we are just different people with different needs. We don’t need stuff, the cars, the house, the toys (all great things, but just not at the top of our priority list). We need more experiences. We need to get out on the road again. We need to see more of the world. The trip only fueled the fire.

We don’t have a clear cut plan yet for what we want to do, but we know that we’ve done it once, so we can certainly do it again. It’s funny that we are more nervous about taking the plunge this time than the first time though. Not sure why, exactly, but there’s something hanging over us that’s preventing us from coming up with a legit, smart plan for getting back out on the road.

Thanks for the words of encouragement though. It’s great to read these to get our butts in gear again and make it happen.

July 8, 2010 Marc

Adam, we’re in exactly the same place! Our trip completely changed our outlook on all those things, too, and we are sooo ready to take off again and see more of the world. Unfortunately, due to a certain lack of foresight on my part when we started this adventure, the road to our second world tour is going to be longer and harder than I’d like it to be.

But you’re right, having done it before, we know can do it again – and we will! Now that we’ve both expressed that INTENTION, it’s become inevitable, you know?

Enjoy the ride!

July 10, 2010 christine

I love what you said about quit worrying and start living….so true indeed….we are still on our 13 month adventure and have packed so much into 11 months that some times looking back it doesn’t even seem real……we will be settling soon and I know, like adam, we will be scheming about how to get back on the road permanently…..i admire you for taking an entire family on such a long trip–wow!! we met a very cool family in ho an, vietnam who have web-based businesses and thought, if they could do it at home, they could do it in vietnam and have really made quite a lovely life for themselves and their kids….really liked reading your stories.

July 12, 2010 Marc

Thanks Christine! I’ve been checking out your blog – you guys have some great stories, too! Enjoy the rest of your trip!

July 22, 2010 Mike & Luci

Love the post! We went on a fam vacation to DC. I was so impressed with how much the kids knew and appreciated the monuments and individuals that started the USA. Thanks for the post.

August 5, 2010 Nadine Hudson

Dear family of four suitcases. I found your blog link on some other site and felt very inspired with your above words. I have written a similar blog post on our blog about the price we travellers pay and about choices we all have to make (I haven’t put it on the blog yet, as I have got to translate it into English first…, it will be on there soon). It’s a very interesting topic. We have travelled for over two years with our boys mostly by public transport through the Middle East and Asia and have lived in rural China for the last two years. We are planning another long trip through Europe, Africa, the Middle East (?) for next year. We have given up a lot (as you say, too much safety can be dangerous for the kids, I love that add on your blog), but we have never regretted it at all. On our website we publish a lot of stories about our very simple lives in rural China and other stories of travelling as a family. If you like, check it out on http://www.hudsonfamily.ch/en (or without the “en” for the German version). Maybe one day we’ll meet on the road.

August 23, 2010 Regine

Hi Marc! I come from the Redpath website and followed the web trail of traveling families.
I love what you wrote about independence day, it is clear, strong and so true!
thank you.

November 22, 2010 Coolmon's Blog

Good article, enjoyed reading it.

March 9, 2011 bluegreen Kirk

Nice post both my younger brother and I celebrate the 4th of July as birthdays!

March 19, 2011 Chishikoff

Good article, thanks. :) Good Design

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