Today I went to a block party in my neighborhood, and I admire the people who put it together in 95 degree heat. People around here are great, and I’m so grateful to have nice neighbors.  They are awesome, in fact!

I’m sure there will be fireworks later, but I had to leave early since the heat was getting to me.

People are celebrating a long weekend, and tomorrow there will be more parties and fireworks.

Independence Day is all fine and good, but what is independence? Is it a long weekend off from a job one hates, or a celebration that we were liberated from the British rule way back when?

To me, independence is to own my life, to create the life that supports me on all levels, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  Art does that for me, but there is always more.

Independence is not about over eating and drinking, though good food is always welcome since I don’t cook much.

Why not celebrate independence every day?

That is what we are meant to do. We were not created to live with nose to the grindstone (I have done plenty of that and it’s soul-destroying.) Life is not supposed to be an albatross around your neck.

Creating an independent life is not easy, but it’s fun and challenging. It takes a lot of soul-searching and often trial and error to get it right. I don’t think I have gotten it right yet, but I have lived an independent life on and off in my life, and that has taught me some things.  There really is no going back to the grindstone.

I’d rather have fireworks coming out of me because I’m so excited about my life.

That is when life becomes interesting.

Today can be the day to decide to go deeper, to quit something that doesn’t serve, to let go of self-defeating behavior, to let toxic people go.

Today can be the day to choose LIFE, not the same ole rut and the addictive behaviors that we all have.

Well, every day we have the choice, life or life numbing.  Every day I choose life, but I don’t always succeed since habits are strong, and the familiar rut is strong.

But there is always another day and another choice.  What a blessing that is!

When we truly fall in love with life, the choice is easy.

Love to you, and lots of creativity!

xo

Maria

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