Here in America, amidst the parades and fireworks and meat on the grill, it’s easy to overlook an important fact: July 4th used to be a blank square on the calendar.
On many calendars throughout the world, it still is.
But almost 250 years ago, a ragtag bunch of rebels stood up to the world power and premier fighting force of its time. It started a pretty big fight that eventually, they won.
No one gave them permission. It’s not like there was a day on the calendar that said, “Today’s the day, guys!”
They got together and just…decided.
A lot of blood, sweat, and tears followed, but it couldn’t have started without a decision. Because of that fateful declaration of independence, a nation was born and the world changed.
And so did our calendar.
I am grateful for those brave men and women. I love the fireworks and the parades and the meat on the grill. But perhaps it’s time to take a cue from the calendar and make a new declaration of independence.
Against Adultitis.
It’s strategically hidden and doesn’t get much press, but I’d argue it’s the premier fighting force of our time. It’s definitely a bully that keeps you under its thumb.
You don’t need permission to declare independence from the ruts and comfort zones that rob you of a feeling of adventure and aliveness.
You can declare independence from the melancholy that deprives you of joy and wonder.
You can declare independence from pessimism and the cynical belief that the world is beyond saving and that hope is old-fashioned.
You can declare independence from a calendar that strangles you with too many obligations and extracurricular activities.
You can declare independence from the stress that comes from trying to do it all, measure up, and keep up with a culture of busyness that continues to accelerate.
You can declare independence from past regrets that keep you from creating something better here in the present.
You can declare independence from the discouragement that life is meaningless and from fear of the future.
Of course, then the real work begins, just like it did for the revolutionaries two-and-a-half centuries ago. But the work is doable when tackled bit by bit, one step at a time. (Don’t forget about this free community of fellow Adultitis Fighters you can plug into and gain strength from every day.)
And the work is worth it because the other side of standing up to the bully brings freedom.
The freedom to slow down and delight in the little things.
The freedom to stress less and play more.
The freedom to spend more time with people you love.
The freedom to become you you were uniquely created to be.
The freedom to initiate adventures and reawaken your biggest dreams.
The freedom to live the life you want to live, not the one you feel like you should.
The freedom to do work that matters.
The freedom to make your life a masterpiece.
Parades are not guaranteed, but there will be fireworks — at least the metaphorical kind. (The grilled meat is up to you.)
This is a callout to the brave men and women of our time.
It all starts with a declaration of independence.
Is today the day?
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