As I write this, it’s Independence Day. While it can mean parades, fireworks, and barbecues, it seems right to examine what I need (or don’t need) to achieve independence. Of course, independence means different things to different people, and some of it depends on the circumstances of your life.
For years, programs like The Hunger Project, have strived to end hunger by empowering people with more education, health, and opportunities. Ironically, as they do, we in America struggle with obesity and poor health. (Unfortunately, I need to include myself in that number.)
Romance Writer’s Goals
I started thinking–what do I need to do to free myself from old habits and thoughts, and achieve the abilities I only dream about–flexibility, strength, and stamina? How do I gain physical independence? I started by making a plan (I’m good at plans), have found an accountability partner (I’m not so good at execution of things I don’t want to do), and upped my commitment level.
One thing I want independence from is the physical rut I’ve been in since my second child was born thirty years ago!
I’m re reading Lynn Twist’s The Soul of Money which is where I remembered about The Hunger Project. Like my health, I have a very twisted relationship with money. I’ve had lots of it–and very little. What has made me happier? As I examine my life from a financial perspective, I realize what I like most are a lack of extremes.
I don’t want to work so hard I have no time for anyone else, yet I want enough to keep money steady. I live in a beautiful place, but getting from here to my children is an expensive proposition. The recession was very painful for us, and like many older Americans we know, we haven’t fully recovered.
I really want independence from severe debt. Again, I’ve put steps in place, developed a checklist, and I’ve re-committed to my financial goals. The daily steps have gone on my checklist along with the factors that will help me achieve my health goals.
I’m constantly reminded that our daily actions matter over the long run. In fact, I can see how my daily actions–some good, some bad–have gotten me here.
When I write, I make sure all the major characters, sometime including the villain, have goals they want to achieve. In my next series, a few of the goals will stretch over the entire series, becoming more important as the books go on. It’s their daily actions and the decisions they make that changes the trajectory and allows them to succeed or fail.
Let Your Freedom Ring!
What do you want to achieve by the end of the year? What can you free yourself from, starting today, to make that journey successful? I’d love to hear from you via a comment or on my Facebook Page.
Happy Independence Day! Let your freedom ring!
Casey Dawes is an author of popular contemporary romances.
PS! California Sunshine is now free on Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes! Let your friends know.
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