As we prepare for celebrating the 4th of July in the
US, it’s important to remember that no matter where
you live or who you are, you can choose to feel free.

In each moment, we have the opportunity to choose the
state of being free no matter what the external
circumstances are! Maybe you think this is a bold
statement? The truth is that your awareness of your
internal responses (mind chatter) to outside events
will allow you to experience personal freedom and
serenity in any situation.

Why is that? It’s because your thoughts are all that
matter. And when you deliberately choose to harbor
thoughts that allow you to feel free, that becomes
your reality.

Today I spoke with a young client who lives at home.
She was feeling highly annoyed with her brother’s
grumpy attitude. It was ruining her day. She didn’t
realize that no one can take her inherent freedom
to feel great unless she allows it.

If you allow the words, opinions, or gestures of other
people (family, friends, coworkers, bosses, etc.) to
disturb you, then you are not free in that moment. As
soon as you recognize that you have given your attention
to their words, you can take it back and place it on
something more pleasant.

My coaching client decided to stop her internal drama
by using this savvy success strategy. She refused to
entertain the thoughts in her head that her teenage
brother was purposely attempting to irritate her. As she
let go of that interpretation, she freed herself from
feeling annoyed.

For most people this is not an easy task; it requires
patience, persistence, and practice to implement this
success strategy; but feeling great is worth it! And
remember that practice does not mean attempting some-
thing only once or twice. Many athletes, including the
Williams’ sisters at Wimbledon, practice four to ten
hours a day!

When the reward of feeling free is important enough
to you, you won’t mind committing to your goal and doing
what it takes to accomplish it.

Wishing you savvy success!

Barbara

[We are Free to Choose is an excerpt of Less Drama,
More Fun. For more information, visit http://www.amazon.com]