Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness

By Jackie White

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Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, three words we know we have heard before, but are you living them? It’s Fourth of July. Along with celebrating the freedom provided to us in America, you should reflect on your own life to see if you are living life to its fullest. 
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Today we commemorate the Declaration of Independence. It says that Americans have the basic human right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Wow, that’s deep. Think about it. Those who came before us have thought through what this country should be founded on. What each of the future generations should hold dear. Let’s chat a bit about that. What do these three words mean to you? Have you given it any thought? If not, today is the day. These three words should be guiding you to live a life that reflects the rights you have been given just by being an American.

Life: You have been given the right to live your life as you see fit. Having said that, know that life goes by in a blink of an eye. Are you placing importance of living your life with intention? This has been given to you by your forefathers. You can create what your life experience is all about. Are you living in accordance with who you are supposed to be, according to you? If you aren’t sure, here is a gut check for you, a literal gut check. When you think of the path your life is taking, how does it feel? Is your stomach turning or yearning for more? If it is, then it’s time to adjust the sails and remember or discover who you really are. It’s an obligation to your soul to live out the life you were destined to live. It’s an obligation to those you gave you that right way back in 1776. It’s ultimately, an obligation to yourself to live your life in the way that best fits who you are supposed to be. Do not waste this opportunity.

Liberty: A word and a concept we can take for granted. I don’t know why because it allows us to live the life we choose to live. Society can try to mold you into a person that might not be you. Responsibilities can pull you in different directions. But you have the absolute freedom to create your life experience. It is your right and I would argue, duty, to live your life as a free person. That is a gift that should not be wasted. Think about how many people in the world today who do not have that freedom. You are one of the lucky ones, so get to getting on with living your life in a manner that satisfies your dreams and also benefits others. Yes, I said benefiting others. The meaning of your life will expand as you not only follow your dreams, but also when you do for others. Remember the authors of The Declaration of Independence sacrificed to provide these opportunities for themselves and for you. At the very least, you can pass on the favor.

Happiness: The pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right in America. In other words, it is your right as an American to freely pursue joy and live life in a way that makes you happy as long as you are not violating the rights of others. If our forefathers didn’t think happiness was important, it would never have made into a document that outlines as a right. So, are you pursuing happiness? Are you choosing a mindset that focuses on positivity? Living your life in gratitude is synonymous with living a life of happiness. When you are grateful for whatever it is you have, it is impossible to feel unhappy about what you don’t have.There is always, always, always something to be grateful for. I think the wording “the pursuit of happiness”  is especially important to note because it indicates that happiness is a journey, a choice to be made. It is not bestowed upon you or falls from the sky, it is your responsibility to pursue your own happiness.

So, there it is. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. It’s your invitation to start living the life you want. Those passions, and those desires gnawing at you are telling you there is more life to live. There is more meaning in your life to live. Now is a great occasion to embark upon fulfilling the dreams of our forefathers by fulfilling the dreams in your heart and soul.
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For more inspiration and guidance on how to live your best life, go to www. FindYourSoulShine.com