What Are You Ready To Declare Your Independence From?

My declaration of independence and encouragement to write yours

Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash

July 4 is Independence Day in the U.S. and that upcoming holiday inspired me to write my own declaration of independence. I’m sharing it here, and I encourage you to write yours. If you’re comfortable doing so, share it in the comments. I’ll also start a private chat thread for paid subscribers next week so that we can have a deeper discussion.

Here’s what I’m declaring my independence from:

1. Believing every mean thing my inner critic or anyone else says about me.

2. Measuring my success as a writer solely on the basis of how much money I earn.

3. Letting other people’s opinions about what’s best for me overrule mine.

4. Working for anyone who values profits and obedience more than people and honesty.

5. Assuming I know what someone thinks about anything when all I actually know is that person’s religious or political affiliation, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

6. Staying silent to avoid conflict when a person says something that bothers me.

7. Letting my fear of failure keep me from trying new things.

8. Basing my self-esteem on what I accomplish instead of who I am.

9. Being unwilling to question my beliefs or listen to anyone who doesn’t share them.

10. Pretending I’m fine when I’m not and refusing to seek help when I need it.

Now it’s your turn. What are you ready to be free of? Is there anything from my list that will also be on yours?