Ever since I can remember, and I have one memory dating back to when I was just two- or three-years-old, I have considered myself to have been very independent. I have never been one to seek approval or feel the need to be surrounded by like-minded people. I spend a good portion of my time enjoying the solitude of being alone. Independence is important to me and something I value deeply. On Independence Day, I like to reflect on what independence means to me as an American.

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Independence Day

This is what Independence Day, as a whole, means to me:

  • Living in a country where we are free to practice religion (or not) as we prefer without prejudice.
  • Enjoying the customs of our own cultures without being judged outside the confines of that culture (wearing a cowboy hat doesn’t make me a “red neck” anymore than wearing baggy pants makes me a “thug” or wearing a turban makes me a terrorist).
  • Helping a fellow man in need despite any differences in religion, political beliefs, race, income brackets, sexual orientation, etc.
  • Practicing patience, compassion and understanding with each of our fellow Americans without ever passing judgment.
  • Taking care of our Earth, and appreciating and respecting its resources.
  • Finding beauty in living life each and every day.
  • Developing meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.
  • Creating a legacy that our ancestors would be proud of and our descendants will admire.

The post, What Independence Means to Me, first appeared on Ata-Girl Photography Co.’s website and blog. Please feel free to comment here, or share this post with your friends via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Please email me if you have any questions about this article or want to share a neat idea for a future blog post with me.