Independence Day is coming up this week. This day celebrates the time in history when the 13 American colonies united to declare independence from Great Britain. Of course, the declaration was merely the first step in a long battle toward liberty. The Revolutionary War was fraught with difficulty, and there were many moments when those involved were tempted to give up. In fact, some of the most stirring quotes from this time were issued when the future appeared most bleak, such as:
“We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”
~Benjamin Franklin
“Give me liberty or give me death.”
~ Patrick Henry
“I have not yet begun to fight.”
~ John Paul Jones
“Liberty must at all hazards be supported.”
~ John Adams
“ Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered yet we have this consolation with us, the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.”
~ Thomas Paine
“Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are free men, fighting for the blessings of Liberty.”
~ George Washington
“We fight, get beat, rise and fight again.”
~ General Nathanael Greene
The tagline of my business is, “Freedom Through Organization.” I honestly believe that organizing one’s time, space and belongings enhances quality of life. Unfortunately the “tyranny” of modern living, characterized by complexity and time pressure, can be a thief of joy. Fortunately, like the colonists, we have the ability to resist the status quo. Similarly, just as they sometimes needed a good rallying cry, we too can benefit from a catch phrase or thought when the odds seem stacked against us.
Therefore, in the spirit of the 4th, I’m sharing some of my favorite phrases with the hope of inspiring you to toss off any restraints that are encumbering you and to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
* * * * *
Happy Independence Day! Which one is your favorite?
Absolutely love this!! I have been slowly but surely organizing and decluttering here. So, I couldn’t agree more about how freeing it really is to do so. With that said, want to wish you a very, Happy 4th this week!! 🙂
Hope you have a wonderful week and happy 4th with your beautiful family, Janine!
These are great! I especially like the one about consistency being the sugar.
Janet Barclay recently posted…SEO Strategies for 2019
What we do regularly, especially every day, is what really changes our lives, right? Anything we do regularly becomes part of our identity. You don’t have to do something radical to have a big impact!
Mantras and sayings are powerful ways to remember our intentions and then follow through. Thank you for sharing these!
I’ve started trying to incorporate some more memorization into my life because I couldn’t agree more. Phrases and thoughts that we repeatedly go back to become a part of the way we process and think, which can be very powerful. Just a little fun for a busy week – happy 4th to you Ellen!
These are wonderful. One of my favorites that I share with clients is: Nothing changes if nothing changes. Thank you for sharing!
Oooooh, that’s a good one Diane. And so true! Very powerful! I might try and find a way to use that one with my client this morning:) Hope you have a very happy 4th.
Your quote bubbles are lovely! I like them all, but my favorite one is “First set priorities, then make decisions.” I think we often get stuck in the decision-making process because we haven’t clarified what’s important. By asking a few more questions and getting to the essence of what we want or need, we can choose with more ease.
Linda Samuels recently posted…3 Seriously Funny Tricks to Quickly Get You Motivated
Exactly, Linda! The priority becomes the tool we can use to make the decision. Setting the priorities is actually the harder part, but once you take that step, the rest of the process is easier. Should you come to an impasse, where a decision seems to be in contrast to your priority, you can talk about whether you want to stick with your priority or make a change.
Hi Seana, my egret-taking-flight logo represents rising above one’s clutter and finding the FREEDOM of getting Organized for Life! I love all your phrases, but today I especially like the last one. I have a couple areas of my life where I need to take a small step in a new direction.
Hazel Thornton recently posted…Hit a brick wall? 20 reasons why you can’t find your ancestor
I’m intrigued by your pending small steps. Maybe I will hear about them in a future blog post?
The “taking action is more refreshing than complaining” image resonates with me. I would even take it a step further and say that taking action is empowering. Anyone can complain, but a truly courageous and strong person will take action to resolve.
Sabrina Quairoli recently posted…15 Unique Closet Items to Toss Right Now
Agreed Sabrina. I actually think complaining often just makes everything worse. Not only are you stuck in the same place, but you’ve brought others down with the negative perspective, and done very little to improve the issue. Taking action is empowering because you are moving toward something better. The road may not be smooth, but you are still in motion in the right direction!
I love all your quotes. My favorite.
“Capturing thoughts eases the burden of remembering.” I live by this. I don’t have a good memory.
Happy 4th of July1
I have to write it down too! I seem to remember things I don’t need quite easily, but the important things have to go in the book:) Happy 4th!
I loved all of you bubbles and also loved remembering those very wise and courageous statements by our Founding Fathers. They were so brave! It is true we don’t appreciate things we have not had to sacrifice for. Many in our country take freedom for granted and don’t treasure it. It was won so long ago and people have been giving their lives to keep it still. Happy 4th to you and your family.
Nice to be able to recall the wisdom of our Founding Fathers as we near this festive day! We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, right?
I love them all and I hope you will share individually so that I can share them. I share a gratitude quote weekly in my group so I would love to use that one there if you are okay with it. A gratitude practice is so helpful in allowing more abundance for what you want and happiness and appreciation for the moment.
Kim recently posted…The Magic of Decluttering
Fee free to share any of them, Kim! You can pin them from my post as well, if you want them one at a time. Wishing you a wonderful 4th!!
Happy 4th today! My favorite of your quotes was about letting go and catching something new. It’s just perfect.
I am pondering that one this holiday weekend, wondering what I might be holding onto that is keeping my hands from grasping onto something better! Hope you are having a great holiday weekend up there:)