In the U.S.A., July is a powerful month of Independence. We started the month with Independence Day- the day we commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the 4th, which represented the end of the control, authority and jurisdiction of Britain over the colonies, and, this year, we end the month with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) on the 26th, which marks the legal prohibition of discrimination and exclusion of people with disabilities (dubbed the “civil rights act for people with disabilities”). My question for you, have you signed your own personal Declaration of Independence in your life? Have you prohibited yourself from discriminating against yourself and your goals?
What’s Controlling You?
What’s got authority over you? What’s controlling you? Is your vision impairment holding you back in any way? How independent minded and clear about Y.O.U. (your own understanding), values and goals are you really?
My Blindness Used to Control Me
For a long time, my blindness controlled me. It determined how I acted- shy and withdrawn, what I thought was possible for my life- loneliness, isolation and financial dependence, and how I felt about myself- totally unworthy of love, support or anything positive. But, when I took a stand, declared my independence and fully claimed my civil right to the pursuit of happiness and inclusion in society despite my disability, the world opened up to me.
Are You Controlled
When my coaching clients first come to me so many are controlled by what they are “supposed to” want, what success and leadership “should” look like and how they are supposed to act. It breaks my heart to see such beautiful, strong, talented people being oppressed by a ruler that doesn’t understand who they are and what their heart and soul wants them to be and do. That’s when we dig in and declare their independence once and for all. Then, we create, design and build a system that works for them. And, that is exactly what I urge you to do as well!
Independence Isn’t About Being a Lone Wolf
Remember though, independence isn’t about being a lone wolf- nobody’s truly alone. True, it’s you alone who can do it, but you can’t do it alone. Every giant leap of forward progress requires support. Declaring your independence is about taking a stand for freedom- freedom from what you don’t want, freedom to do and be you and embracing the essential support of like-minded people. So, clarify those goals and reach out to your support network for assistance in getting there.
Did you know that signing the Declaration of Independence was considered an Act of Treason? After signing the Declaration, John Hancock remarked that Congress must now “all hang together.” Benjamin Franklin replied, “Yes, we must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
Commit An Act of Treason
I’m inviting you to commit an act of treason, be a traitor to the status quo, and hang together with me. So, go ahead, declare your independence from whatever’s controlling you. Do it, today! I want to celebrate not only the 4th of July and the 25th anniversary of the ADA, I also want to cel ebrate you this July! Let’s declare independence and create a new nation where success, happiness and thriving is the norm!
Read More On Our Independence Theme
Independence versus Interdependence
Choices We Make: Part One-Using a White Cane