The Self-Discovery Digest

In the United States, we celebrate the 4th of July as Independence Day. This holiday is very dear to us Americans because it is an enduring symbol of our ideals and a time to re-commit to living them - but you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to appreciate these sentiments. The Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all [people] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Such an important mandate - why not apply it to our personal lives?

Consider the questions below then create your very own Declaration of Independence.

• What are your personal truths?
• How do you define liberty and a life worth living?
• Are there people or things that are affecting your sense of freedom or your pursuit of happiness - either positively or negatively?
• Can you find the courage to take a stand for what matters to you even if this is unpopular with certain significant people or institutions in your life?

Fill in the blanks to craft your Declaration of Independence.

I hold these truths to be self-evident (choose three):
________________________________________________.

I define happiness with these qualities (choose three):
________________________________________________.

I create happiness in my life with these people and activities (choose three):
________________________________________________.

I recommit to cultivating my sense of liberty and happiness in these ways (choose three):
________________________________________________.

Self-Discovery Tool Number 12
Celebrate what's special about your contribution to the world by living your own unique version of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Embrace your personal recipe for freedom and joy by seeking out a least one person or thing by July 4th that brings you a smile and makes you feel good about being alive!