1%

We have seen both our grown sons in the last couple of weeks. Quite a feat as they are busy young men. It is interesting their respective personalities- some things are similar to each other and us and some are not.

Both boys are pretty organized with their lives, not just the logistical organization of home and scheduling, but the organization of learning, growing, self-improvement. While they both are very active, they seemed to have a good balance on work/life.

Our one son is probably a little more scheduled than his brother. He has set timers on his computer to remind him of the different tasks in the morning. “workout”; “breakfast”, “shower”. Mh first thought is “oh no. a schedule?” (For as organized as I am and as often as I write a schedule, I find that I am too much of a free spirit to actually stick to a schedule.)

But for him the schedule gives him freedom: he doesn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed. He has wiggle room in his schedule so he is prepared for interruptions. I liken it to Financial Peace University. One of the goals of having financial peace is that one doesn’t have the extra stress of unpaid bills and worry over money. There is a freedom in knowing that things are generally covered and their is a freedom to have wiggle room and be financially generous.

As we were talking through a current scheduling dilemma I am in, he suggested- “1% Mom. Just do 1% or one thing extra each day. The idea is to slowly build into change.”

Out of the mouths of babes.

I have been saying this for YEARS and while I have practiced it before, in my overwhelming state of a packed to-do list of responsibilities, I had forgotten. I liked having someone else give me “permission” to break out of my norm and try something new.

So, I give you permission to break out of your norm or rut or whatever place you feel stuck. Try 1 %. Just one thing extra or different each day. It might be a small change to a bigger goal or it might be just something new you want to try.

I am giving it a try. For this week so far (as I write this it is three days in- not a routine yet), I have been able to stick to a small change in my schedule: write my journal pages first thing in the morning. And I have noticed that some of the other routines I have wanted to do are falling into place as well: daily yoga stretch, three hours of concentrated writing. Once again, when we prime the pump for change, it starts a flow of other change.

What about you? Where are you stuck in your life? What can you do to unstick? What would be your 1%?

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!  Today is Independence Day. The day when our forefathers said enough to oppression and opted to risk overthrowing what was known for an experiment that guaranteed freedom for all. (Sadly, still working on that).  They declared their independence from a sovereign nation which determined what they did and said. 

I think when we ask for independence we need to remember that independence demands responsibility.  I believe our forefathers understood that concept.  While they may have had differences of opinion about the logistics of the democratic republic experiment they demonstrated through actions the understanding that there are two sides of the idea of freedom. 

In order to have independence, one has to be responsible. As a child grows and matures, he wants to begin doing things himself.  That is natural and healthy. But part of the growing up process is realizing that one is not the center of the universe.  A child also has to begin realizing that nothing happens in a vacuum: what one person decides to do affects another.  His actions will cause an action for someone else. For example, I might want to drive my car wherever I want but I have to be responsible for following the rules of the road or there will be major accidents.  I can have the freedom of driving but I have to balance my independence with responsibility.  

It is through responsibility of thinking of others that the action of independence can occur.  It is the responsibility of our leaders and our citizens to think.  If not, chaos can ensue.

 I believe our current leaders have forgotten that they are responsible for all the citizens in the country, not just the ones that give them adoration.  What is the greater good beyond the vote?  Is it only economic gain for the ones who have voted for you?  The leaders have to remind themselves that they represent an independent and responsible nation. Just because they have been elected into an office by a certain majority of individuals,  they have to be adult and think of all citizens as they make rules, laws and policies.  

As citizens we are responsible for critical thinking of what is happening in our government.   We cannot abdicate our responsibility of thinking. If we do, then those who are leaders can interfere and interject their thoughts, ideas, decisions on the non-thinking public.  When we are not thinking responsibly, we abdicate our right to have an informed opinion.  No longer are we free in our governing experiment.  We are responsible when we listen, question, vote, discuss, argue, and agree to disagree.   We are not responsible when we bully, shout, dismiss, or demand that the opposition do exactly as we say or else greater retribution. 

I think Thomas Jefferson understood the tension of government and people with his above quote.  Just like the tension between independence and responsibility we have to constantly adjust and reflect on the size of government and how much we expect the government to do versus the things that we can do. 

So, Happy 4th of July.  It is a wonderful time and a great celebration.  While our great American experiment has its rocky moments, I wouldn't trade living here under its messy, difficult governance with any other place. 

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July.  What does the fourth mean to you?  An extra day of the weekend?  A time for gathering with family?  A day at the beach or lake?  A day of reflection on being an American? 

In this election year it seems that the idea of patriotism seems changed.  I know that I am embarrassed by the political coverage especially from other countries and their media sources.  With all the name calling and hateful speech one wonders if we can ever agree about the meaning of the fourth of July or what our country represents and of our American freedoms. 

I have always loved the stories of our founding fathers.  What I find incredible was their foresight, sacrifice and courage.   Of course, I might be coming from a western European, WASPy background and thus feel in agreement with their philosophy.  But I think it is more than that.

When I went to Ellis Island and read the stories and accounts of the newer wave of immigration, I saw the principles and ideals from our founders at work and still being upheld.  Ours is a country of deliverance and freedom - one can come to our shores and have a new start.  One can come and freely practice one's religion.  One can speak one's mind about all sorts of subjects.  One can put the past behind and turn to a new beginning. 

One of the costs of freedom is responsibility.  Just like we tell our children- you earn freedom to do things on your own by being responsible and showing that you can handle it. 

As free citizens we have a responsibility to those who are also part of the country's collective. Just as I have rights, so too does my fellow American.  That means that I am respectful of others.  I allow them to freely speak and offer opinions just as I do. That means I am willing to get involved with self-governance; from the very least of voting to more involvement of civic matters. That means I am a good steward of my country and its resources.  That I am willing to sacrifice some of my personal freedom (time, talents, resources) for the greater good of the freedom of all. 

What about you?  Have you always lived in America?  If not, what was your experience?  As an American do you feel patriotic?  If the American Revolution was happening today, what side would you be on?  The British?  The rebels?  Or would you not be involved? 

"May it be to the world, what I believe it will be… the signal of arousing men to burst the chains.. and to assume the blessings and security of self-government.  That form, which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or are opening to the rights of man… For ourselves, let the annual  return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.” 

Thomas Jefferson
June 24, 1826
Part of the last letter he wrote before he died. He was declining an invitation to come to Washington, DC for the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.