Today is a day to reflect on what it means to be independent, envisioned as the right to an individual’s life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, a nation that declared the right to self-governance.  While we may initially focus on what this means for each of us, the other side of this freedom implies that this right is reserved for all.

So I would like to suggest that we act with compassion, July 6th being the lesser known Compassion Day.  Compassion both for others to support them in their pursuit and compassion for ourselves.  A pursuit of happiness rather than perfection, recognizing the difference between having rights and being right.

FREE

Open and honest

Potential unraveling

Spontaneous jest