Today is the day after my country’s celebration of Independence Day. So, what does Merriam Webster say about Independence? Main Entry: in·de·pen·dence Pronunciation: \?in-d?-?pen-d?n(t)s\ Function: noun Date: 1640 1 : the quality or state of being independent Main Entry: 1in·de·pen·dentPronunciation: \?in-d?-?pen-d?nt\ Function: adjective Date: 1611 1 : not dependent: as a (1) : not subject to control by others : self-governing (2) : not affiliated with a larger controlling unit <an independent bookstore> b (1) : not requiring or relying on something else : not contingent <an independent conclusion> (2) : not looking to others for one’s opinions or for guidance in conduct (3) : not bound by or committed to a political party c (1) : not requiring or relying on others (as for care or livelihood) <independent of her parents> (2) : being enough to free one from the necessity of working for a living <a person of independent means> d : showing a desire for freedom <an independent manner> Independence means that you are the master and creator of your own destiny, that you are self sufficient and self motivated.  How many of us yearn for true independence?  How many of us take action to become independent?  How many of us can say we are truly independent? If you really think about those questions in the order asked, the number gets smaller and smaller, doesn’t it?  So what is it that the few know, that can say they are truly independent, that the rest of us don’t? It starts with identifying your dreams.  Once we figure out our dreams, we can then take action to make them a reality.  Once our dreams come true, my guess is that we become independent, because we are free to do whatever we want because we have manifested our own destiny. So this weekend, no matter where you are in the world, do yourself a favor, stop for a few minutes and dream. Here’s an exercise my business partner, Stephanie Remers, and I did a few months back.  I was just reminded of it in a training video I just watched.  Grab a pen/pencil and a piece of paper, or open up notepad on your computer and write down (or copy and paste) the following questions, giving yourself enough space to answer later. 1. What would I love to have that I don’t have now? 2. If I could eliminate one thing in my life, what would it be? 3. If money and time were not issues, what would I like to be doing right now? 4. What does my family need or want that they don’t have now? 5. What’s your dream/passion? 6. What’s your vision for the future? Be specific! Think BIG! Think towards the future, 5, 10, 15 years down the road…. Take your time, go for a walk, sleep on it, then come back to your paper/computer screen and write down your answers.  When you write your answers, write them in sentences that begin with “I see myself in…”, “I see myself with…”, “I see myself doing…”, “I see myself as….” Write from your heart, not your mind.  Go with your gut instincts, as they are usually right! Once you have done this exercise, print it out, hang it up where you can see it.  READ it every day! There is something very powerful about putting thoughts on paper and seeing it day after day. Think about what action, no matter how small, you can take to realize your dreams, write it down and then just DO it.  Progression takes place by mastering baby steps… we learn to crawl before we walk, walk before we run.  It’s the same thing when laying out your map to independence.  YOU have the power, you always did.  Now it’s time for you to seize your power,  create your own future and become independent! Deb Lane