Celebrating Independence Day

As we get ready to celebrate America's Independence Day this Thursday, it's time to remember that many countries celebrate this day to commemorate the day they gained freedom from another country's rule. The holidays are often marked with fireworks, parades, and speeches, during which people celebrate their nation's independence and history.

In the 1700s, America consisted of 13 colonies controlled by England. The people in these colonies were getting tired of English rules and taxes. They felt it was only fair to pay taxes with a say in the English government. This feeling led to the famous phrase, "No taxation without representation."

Things got heated when the British passed laws like the Stamp Act in 1765, which taxed paper goods. The colonists protested and even had a big event called the Boston Tea Party in 1773, where they threw tea into the harbor to show they didn't want to pay tax on it.

The tension turned into fights, and in 1775, the Revolutionary War started. The colonies wanted to be free from English rule. On July 4, 1776, they took a massive step by signing the Declaration of Independence. This document said the colonies were now the United States of America, a new country.

Independence is essential not just in our country's history but also in one's personal growth. If you've ever moved out on your own, gotten a divorce, or left a job you hated, you may be celebrating a Personal Independence Day! You took the first steps towards making choices and caring for yourself. You took back your power and are now living the life you want without relying as much on others. You said, "Take this relationship/life/job and shove it!"

I have several personal "Independence Days". On November 19, 1995, I left a cushy job at my parents' printing company in Ohio and headed to Florida to embark on a new relationship.  

December 1, 1997, I took $200 and started my first business, Traci Keychain Advertising Specialties, Inc. (now Stand Up Eight, Inc.)

On September 12, 2002, I tried stand-up comedy for the first time. That day kicked off a new career and series of adventures I never thought possible.

On August 16, 2016, I officially started my second business, Wings Hypnosis, LLC.

While Independence Day is about a country's liberty, personal independence focuses on one's ability to be self-reliant and control one's destiny. Here are just a few ideas on how you can live a more independent life:

1. Set Personal Goals

Creating clear and achievable goals is a critical step toward independence. Hypnosis can help you visualize your objectives and reinforce your commitment. By seeing yourself accomplishing these goals in a hypnotic state, you can strengthen your resolve to work toward them in real life.

2. Build Confidence

Confidence is critical to independence. During hypnosis, you can use positive affirmations to strengthen your belief in yourself. Repeating phrases like "I am capable" or "I trust my decisions" can program your subconscious to feel more confident, helping you rely less on others' opinions and approvals.

3. Learn New Skills

Gaining new abilities makes you more self-reliant. Hypnosis can motivate you to learn and stick with new skills, whether it's cooking, budgeting, or any other activity that promotes independence. It can also improve your Focus and retention while learning.

4. Make Decisions

Being independent means making choices on your own. In hypnosis, you can practice decision-making by visualizing different scenarios and outcomes. This can prepare you to make quicker and more decisive choices in your daily life without seeking constant guidance from others.

5. Manage Stress

Stress can often lead to dependency on others for support. Hypnosis teaches relaxation techniques that can help you manage stress independently. Learning to calm your mind and body alone will empower you to handle life's pressures without leaning too much on external help.

6. Overcome Fears

Fear can be a barrier to independence. Hypnosis can help you confront and overcome fears that may prevent you from acting. By facing these fears in a safe, controlled environment, you can work through them and become more willing to step out of your comfort zone.

7. Develop Healthy Habits

Healthy habits are the foundation of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Hypnosis can assist in forming and maintaining routines such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and good sleep patterns. These habits contribute to physical and mental well-being, essential for independence.

8. Improve Focus

A sharp focus allows you to complete tasks efficiently and independently. Hypnosis can enhance your concentration, helping you stay on task without distraction. This improved Focus can lead to better productivity and the ability to work independently on projects or studies.

9. Embrace Change

Adaptability is a critical aspect of being independent. Hypnosis can make you more open to change and help you quickly adjust to new situations. By becoming more flexible, you won't be as reliant on a set routine or specific conditions to succeed.

10. Seek Knowledge

Knowledge is power; the more you know, the more independent you can be. Hypnosis can encourage a love for learning and curiosity. It can help you actively seek out information and education on various topics, ensuring that you continue to grow and remain self-reliant.

To wrap this up...the war between America and England continued until 1781, when America won with help from France. Finally, in 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, and England had to recognize America's independence. That's how America became its own nation.   

Just because you create yourself an Independence Day doesn't mean things will fall in place immediately after! It took America seven years for England to recognize its independence. It may take you longer or shorter than this to step into your newfound freedom. Keep your vision, commit to achieving your independence, and enjoy the fireworks!

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