Independence Day

Yesterday was the Fourth of July. For Americans this mean Independence Day. The day in 1776 when America declared itself free from the rule of Britain. That may have been great in 1776, but today it’s more about time off work and barbeques. So many have died to keep us free. So many have spent time away from their home country, family, and friends to insure we, as Americans, remained free. I am grateful for their duty to their country and their countrymen.

The word originated back in the 1600s and means “fact of not depending on others or another, self support and self government.” In thinking of my independence, this year and today it’s doesn’t exist. I’ve been dependent on others for the better part of five months and counting. It’s where I am at the moment, it will change as most things do, but truth and transparency are an integral part of my being.

Years ago when training as a Financial Advisor I was sent to New Jersey for three weeks. As I mingled and met other colleagues from around the country and met those living in New York city, a term I wasn’t familiar with popped repeatedly. These relatively young people, around my age at the time, would answer the question of “What do you do?” with “I’m an I dub.” One of the young guys and I had dinner and asked for an explanation. He told me he was independently wealthy, that he didn’t have to work. That was probably the first time I’d ever heard of the concept.

As I’m typing this, drinking my coffee, looking out at Cebu City from the 22nd floor condo unit, I think back about twenty years ago and compare it to today. In my case, self support and self government seem quite far away. The Latin origins of govern are “to steer or to pilot” and those don’t seem too far away. But self support surely does. Heck five months ago I was unable to get out of bed without assistance and today I can stand and walk around unassisted.

I bring all this up, on this particular day, not because of Independence Day and the Fourth of July, but I typically don’t plan or plot out these lists. They are a heartfelt mean to commune with my Creator. I’ve begun writing towards you, the reader, because I made a decision to publish these works. But you’ll notice in earlier writings from a year or more ago that wasn’t the case. A lot can change in a relatively short amount of time. Intense, sustained focus yields exceptional results. We possess the ability to “dig in” and accomplish feats that a previous version of ourselves would find nearly impossible.

We, you and I, are capable of more than we are aware. Should you desire independence, emotionally, financially, physically, or in other areas, you are capable. Jot down a plan and get to it. Attack your plan with the fervor of a drowning person reaching for a lifebuoy. I am. The first six months were all basically focused on physical independence. The next six months I will focus on financial independence. I’ve accomplished one. I will accomplish the next one too.

Today, Friday, July 5, 2024, I am grateful that:

David invited me to his graduation celebration. It was a great gathering of his friends. He chose an excellent Indian food restaurant and relieved

This is the first part of the entry.