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 This next week, the US will be celebrating its independence. While this time is filled with picnics, bar-b-ques, community parades and time with friends and family, few of us may take the time to consider what this day in history really means and what is happening today in the world with so many seeking independence. While we see the recent news of Britain voting to become independent and leave the EU, many do not consider the impact it will have.
Even in this year of our presidential election, we have had for the first time in my life a real revolution against our political system and the cronyism. This has occurred for years and limits many people from achieving a middle class standard of living that most Americans see as their birth right.
Most of us grew up believing that we are capable of achieving a life we want through hard work and being responsible in managing our finances. However, in the last decade the rules have changed; there are more young adults still living at home waiting to be married, or looking for a job that will give them financial independence so they can start living an "independent life". There are older Americans facing years of retirement without a secure financial future. They are looking at being more dependent on our social services.
So, while we celebrate our country's independence this 4th of July, it may also be a good time to reflect on what the price for independence is. Yes, we are a country
 that most people in the world still see as the land of hope and dreams. And it is true that people come to our country and are able to create so much more than they had in the countries they immigrated from. People like Jerry Yang from Taiwan, the founder of Yahoo, and Vinod Dham from India, the "Father of the Pentium", worked for Intel and was instrumental in developing the first microchip. These people come with a dream of having opportunities to become successful - and they worked hard and made many sacrifices in order to achieve their dream.
Unfortunately, many in the US have stopped believing in what we as Americans can create. We have become victims of current circumstances and angry at the way things are. However, if each person looks at what they have, what they want and what they are willing to do and take action, anything is possible. Stephen Covey taught us in his writing many years ago how to become proactive instead of reactive. When we are proactive, we take responsibility and we look to see what action we can take to create what we want. We must accept that the price for true independence begins with us and that no one can truly feel independent unless they are willing to work for it. When we spend our time and energy in reaction, it creates a smaller and smaller field of influence. We do not see opportunities in front of us; we are unwilling to take risks and over time eventually give up. Throughout history, change has only occurred when each person was able to choose to take responsibility and to stand with others in creating change. Our world has seen much of this in the last decade and it will continue for most of us the rest of our lives. These can be challenging times or they can be times when we realize that taking action for what we want, being proactive to see the resources we have and be willing to sacrifice - and keep going, we can create the life we want. By making declarations just as we did over 200 years ago for our country's independence - we can create a world that works for all people.  I will be celebrating our country's independence (and also the birth date of my mother) with friends and family. As I do this, I will salute the American flag and pledge allegiance to the United States, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I will remind myself that while we are facing challenges in our country to align together in this mission, and we see the world in change, all things are possible and I can make a contribution each day.
Barbara and everyone at Source Point Training
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