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Celebrate Your Freedom: 6 Important Freedoms to Celebrate Everyday


At the end of the movie "Braveheart," William Wallace is tortured but refuses to cry out. Just as he is about to die, he belts out one word-

"Freedom!"

Freedom is a word and a privilege that has been easy to take for granted in America. Since Sept. 11 our sense of freedom has been challenged like never before. It seems appropriate at this time of year to discuss the many freedoms we have.

As your own personal declaration of independence, here are three things to declare freedom from and three things to declare freedom to seek.

*Freedom from too much stress: I did not say freedom from any stress. That's not achievable because stress is a part of life. But too much stress is not a necessary part. There are times when the stress level is high by choice (deciding to work longer hours to finish a project), but it's not good as a regular diet.

Ask yourself, "Is this something I absolutely, positively have to do?" If it's not absolutely necessary, some stress-busting choices include dumping it altogether, delegating it to someone else, or doing it less than you are now.

*Freedom from monotony: So many people get stuck living same-same-same-same lives. They do the same things every day after work, eat the same foods, go the same places, etc.

Add some variety to your life. Try something new. Simply doing one thing different is a 100-percent improvement than the same old-same old.

*Freedom from debilitating debt: Most of us have some debt, such as a home mortgage and/or car payment. Debilitating debt is the kind that keeps you from doing what you would like to do and keeps you working not to get ahead in life, but merely pay off debt.

The first step is to stop acquiring more debt. Then create a plan to get out of the hole.

*Freedom to live fully/to risk: Again, in "Braveheart," William Wallace says, "All men die. Few men ever really live."

Are you really living? What steps could you begin to take today to change whatever is stopping you and move toward really living? This may involve some risk. The men who signed our country's Declaration of Independence knew they were taking great risks, but they signed anyway.

*Freedom to do work that you love: Some of the happiest, most content people I know are those who get to do what they love for a living. If you are not doing what you love, here are two suggestions: Find something to love in what you currently do; Create a plan that will lead you to doing what you love.

*Freedom to have fun: There's great line by Dudley Moore in the movie "Arthur" that goes something like "isn't fun the best thing to have?"

Lots of people seem to have forgotten to have fun. When was the last time you had fun? If it's been more than a few days, it's time to plan for some more fun.

Jeff Herrring, MS, LMFT is a marriage and family therapist, relationship coach, speaker and nationally syndicated relationship columnist, and founder and CEO of http://www.SecretsofGreatrelationships.com

You can email Jeff at jeff@jeffherring.com and sign up for his free internet newsletter "Great Relationships Tip of the Week" on his website at http://www.SecretsofGreatRelationships.com


"Holidays" in the News:

Reuters Blogs (blog)

Toys "R" Us gearing up for holidays with mini stores
South Florida Business Journal
This sizeable rollout of pop-up stores represents an additional 2.4 million square feet of toy-selling space for the holiday season. ...
Toys R Us opens express stores for the holidaysBaltimore Sun (blog)
Toys R Us to operate more pop-up stores this Christmas seasonLos Angeles Times
Toys R Us invades the mall for the holidaysThe Associated Press
BloggingStocks (blog) -Orlando Sentinel -One News Page
all 199 news articles »


Analysis: Holiday shipping up in the air in weak U.S. economy
Reuters
LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Toy store owner Eric Masoncup is playing a high-stakes game as he readies holiday ...

and more »


Retailers to Step Up Hiring for the Holidays
CNBC
The majority of the nation's largest retail chains are planning to hang up "Wanted" signs this holiday season as they either hold seasonal hiring steady ...
Holiday Job Outlook Stays FlatWall Street Journal

all 10 news articles »


CBC.ca

Iran to free female American for holiday clemency
The Associated Press
While flights to Dubai, such as the one taken by the Americans' mothers, are much more frequent, they are probably all booked because of the holidays. ...
FP Passport: Catching a ride back homeForeign Policy (blog)
Iran to release female American after 13 monthsThe Associated Press

all 906 news articles »


Ha'aretz

Jewish High Holidays for newcomers
Washington Post (blog)
The Jewish High Holidays begin on September 8, and for synagogues, that means undertaking complex logistical arrangements to ...
Jewish High Holidays a sacred — and busy — time for First Coast rabbisFlorida Times-Union
Temples fighting economic downturn as High Holidays arrivePalm Beach Post
Jewish High Holidays and the Mosque at Ground ZeroSanta Barbara Independent
Morning Sentinel -Kansas City Star -Reuters Blogs (blog)
all 47 news articles »


Kindle arriving to Best Buy in time for the holidays
Geek.com
It makes a lot of sense, especially considering the significant surge in foot traffic during the all-important holiday shopping season.

and more »


FOXNews

The High Holidays begin with Rosh Hashanah
Shore News Today
Rosh Hashanah is the start of the High Holidays, ten days of repentance for Jews that ends with Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, on Saturday, Sept.17. ...
New Year, New Start: Jewish holiday allows for reflectionRed and Black
Rosh Hashanah 2010 – Jewish Holidays 2010Spreadit.org
High holidays with a new rabbi in ChambersburgChambersburg Public Opinion
World Correspondents (blog) -Brooklyn Daily Eagle -Patch
all 695 news articles »


China's economic planner calls for regulations on price hikes during holidays
Xinhua
Complaints and reports from the public will be accepted at hotline phone number "12358", said the official. This year's Mid-autumn Festival holiday is Sept. ...
"Most complicated" holiday plan confuses ChineseXinhua

all 4 news articles »


Holiday Job Seekers Should Start Searching Today
WXIA-TV
ATLANTA -- The holidays may be months away, but if you're looking to snag one of those coveted seasonal jobs, now's the time to get busy. ...

and more »


iPad Will Dominate During Holidays and 2011 — Analyst
Phone Plus (blog)
Um anticipates the iPad, in combination with the new iPhone 4 and iPod upgrades, will make Apple the darling of the holiday shopping season. ...

and more »

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