Happy Independence Day from Riskology.co

Fellow Riskologist,

Here in the U.S., there’s a popular joke that goes something like:

Q: What do they call The 4th of July in Great Britain?
A: The 4th of July.

Today, while everyone else goes about their day, we in The States will be giving ourselves heart attacks and blowing things up in celebration of our independence. Huzzah!

For the rest of the world, the 4th of July has little significance. But celebrating independence? That’s something any smart Riskologist can get behind any day of the year.

If I had to come up with just one rule for living a happier, healthier life, it would be to cultivate an attitude of independence.

It’s no fun to go through life feeling you aren’t in charge and someone could come along and tell you to do something that doesn’t make you happy.

Unfortunately, people all over the world live in this situation every day. But you and me? Any feelings we might have of living in a cage are mostly our imagination. The whole world is our oyster, and we can live just about any way we want to.

Today, ask yourself: Do I feel independent? Do I feel in charge of my life?

If the answer is yes, good for you. Carry on. Or, you know, do whatever you want since you’re the one in charge. But if your answer is no, then ask yourself: What can I do to gain more independence in my life?

Maybe this will mean learning how to make a living on your own to escape a job you feel trapped in. Maybe it’ll be getting better at saying no to things in life that don’t excite you and yes to the things that do. It could be taking more little risks every day to expand your comfort zone. Or it might even be learning to just be okay by yourself.

Whatever it is, I wish you the best of luck on your journey. The road to independence can feel long, but even great distances are crossed with small steps.

See you again on Monday.