Yesterday was Independence Day here in the United States. I celebrated independently by staying home and being independent of any risk of exposing myself to the coronavirus.
So while I was having my personal Independence Day celebration (after watching Independence Day, because come on, you have to, and not watching the sequel because once was enough, thank you), I decided to reflect on my personal independence. This list contains some things that go back years, some that I decided on during the lockdown, and a few that I added just yesterday while I was thinking about this subject.
So, in no particular order, I hereby declare (or redeclare) my independence from:
- One-sided friendships
- FOMO (fear of missing out)
- Apologizing for having an opinion
- Uncomfortable shoes
- Explaining why I’m single and childless (because that does not mean there’s something wrong with me)
- Letting other people take credit for my work
- Worrying about what my neighbors think (within reason)
- Being afraid to try new things
- Mascara
- Fad diets
- All nighters (because seriously, I’m too old for that)
- Decaf
And believe me, I don’t miss them.
How about you?
Amanda Cade 
Fantastic!
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Thanks. What about you? Anything you’ve declared you’re done with?
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Oh! I will have to think about this!
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I like your independence list Amanda. I would ad another one, independence from non-alcoholic beer, because, I mean, what’s the point. Stay well and glad you celebrated independently. Allan
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I actually drink non-alcoholic wine, but that’s mostly in social situations and because I like the taste. I’ve been on medication for several years that prevents me from drinking alcohol. So I guess I could also say I’m independent from doing or saying stupid things when I’ve had too much to drink. Not that I used to do that… 😉
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Mascara and fat diets… you don’t need them…
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Not even a little bit. Especially the mascara. I never did get the hang of that. Always ended up with raccoon eyes.
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Lol!! Maybe I was wrong.. not every woman is an artist lol!
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Hi Amanda! I had to spend my Independence Day alone, because I’m moving/starting a new job and had to isolate myself for two weeks to make sure I didn’t have COVID. This was a strange Independence Day, though, in light of recent events. It’s shameful to think that, as important as the original Independence Day was in 1776 or whatever, that we still haven’t reached a point in our country where all people enjoy equitable rights. Hopefully that won’t be the case for much longer.
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Completely agreed. I hope that, as a nation, we keep moving in the right direction.
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I definitely want to declare independence from uncomfortable shoes and FOMO, but FOMO’s a lot harder to let go of.
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It’s a constant struggle. I’m always having to stop and ask if something really, honestly appeals to me, do I really have the time/money, would I choose this over something else, and so on.
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Yes! The debate over what should I give money to in order to have more time is real.
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I love this! Especially ‘hearing’ it from someone from a much ‘younger’ generation than myself. 🙂
The FOMO thing only spirals into a rabbit hole, thus paralyzing appreciation and full participation in the actual things/events of life in the moment.
And your staying home contributes to the health of the entire community – aiding others and yourself to lead more ‘independent’ lives in the long run.
Thank you for that consideration!
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I find it baffling that there’s actually a conflict between some idea of absolute personal freedom (which has never been a thing that exists, or there would be no laws or rules at all) and the importance of accepting limitations for the sake of public health. I just don’t get it.
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Me neither!
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