Be a Part of Your Independence

This year the United States of America turns 242 years old on July 4. On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to depart from the rule of Great Britain and adopted the Declaration of Independence. Historically, the Fourth of July has been celebrated since the end of the American Revolution; however, it was not instituted as a federal holiday until 1941 under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Over the years, the holiday has held festivities ranging from fireworks and parades to family gatherings by the pool and bar-b-ques.

This week while celebrating your independence, take a few moments to consider any dependence you may have that has the possibility of keeping you from your full potential. Whether its employment, spiritual or personal matters, I hope everyone has the desire to improve their circumstances.

For example, I am a Regional Navigator for the Income Now Initiative, and I work with homeless service agencies and Workforce Solutions’ staff to help people experiencing homelessness obtain employment. Our network of services helps by providing a cushion of support for a limited period of time, typically six months, while job searching and securing housing. The limited nature of support is to help transition people to a place of self-sufficiency. Temporary support helps customers develop a conscious effort to learn about themselves while adjusting and growing professionally…to be INDEPENDENT! I am truly inspired by our customers who have surpassed their capabilities after experiencing homelessness. I have seen examples of how our services have helped job seekers become independent and have the ability to reach his or her full potential.

Below, I have outlined minor changes that you can make in your lifestyle to help you become independent. I hope that at least one of the examples will help you along your path.

1. Accept yourself. You cannot build an independent “you” if you cannot accept your flaws, your personality, your life choices, and everything that makes you, you. This will help you understand where you are in life, and where you can go from there.
2. Believe in yourself. Who else will if you don’t? Your passion and drive comes from within. To begin your independent journey, you should believe in yourself and not second guess.
3. Accept the world. We know the world is full of good and bad. Understanding all the world’s options will help guide your decisions. This will also let you know that you are not forced to select only one way to live your independence.
4. Be Self-Motivated. You know your interest better than anyone else. No one will be as invested as you. For you to reach your full potential you must change bad habits such as procrastinating, for example, and realize that no one can do it for you. Small victories help to build self-esteem, which increases motivation.
5. Find your passion. With so many options, you should consider what’s important to you. This will help you limit your path for the best desirable outcome. This will also make your life more meaningful and soon you will find that independence feels great!

According to Google, independence is the “fact or state of being independent.” Dictionary.com defines it as “freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.” Just like our forefathers who realized the need for independence from Great Britain’s control, you too can make a satisfying change in your life to become independent. As previously stated, employment is one way to change your path. Workforce Solutions has 24 career offices in the 13-county Gulf Coast region with dedicated Employment Counselors and Personal Service Representatives to assist you with your employment needs. I challenge you to take the first steps toward independence and visit a career office today.

Daniel Mabry is a member of the Workforce Solutions Regional Navigator team in the Houston-Galveston region. After serving in the United States Marine Corps for over 9 years, he connected with Workforce Solutions for career guidance and ended up becoming an employee. This position allows him to utilize his training and personal experience to help people experiencing homelessness.