Have You Declared Your Independence?

We have just celebrated Independence Day and I wonder if you have declared your independence. There are many ways in which to be independent and different ways of declaring your independence.


I attended a college graduation ceremony recently and was very surprised at how many people approached the meeting site while talking on the phone. Because I am not a kid anymore, I clearly remember the days when we did not dream of talking on the phone once we left the house. It was just not an option. But these days, people seem to think they need to talk on the phone all the time. It is not just at the ceremony, but I look at people all around - as they walk down the street, or through a store, even as they are in their cars - look at how many people are talking on the phone. Unfortunately, many of them are also driving as they are talking. In my mind, it is unbelievable that a law would have to be passed to make texting while driving illegal. Doesn't common sense tell you that the responsibility of driving a car is significant enough without multitasking? Or perhaps, that's just my thinking. I think people need to declare their independence from their telephone. Just because you have a cell phone doesn't mean you have to be on it all the time.

Additionally, some people are reluctant to make other changes in their life because of how they have always done things. They may say, "Well, I would feel funny trying that!" Or, "No, I don't know how to do that and I don't need to learn." Or perhaps you have heard, or said, "That is how we have always done it!" The way it was always done may be all well and good and, if it is still working, then fine. But to hold onto something just because it is a tradition, does not make sense to me. It is actually OK to make some changes, especially those you know are for the better or will mean an improvement in your life.


If there is a not-so-good habit you are holding on to, perhaps now is the time to declare your independence from that. Breaking long-standing habits is not easy, and sometimes we need outside help to do so, but I believe that if you set your mind to it, you can even break those habits that were started long ago. Consider what you want/need to declare your independence from and this July, start working towards a new you.



Mary Ann Davis, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including a career change or job search, coping with an empty nest or loss of job, preparing to return to school or work, or planning for retirement or non-retirement. She meets with individuals in person and via telephone assisting them to find solutions to life planning issues. Mary Ann is certified as a Master Career Counselor (MCC) by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor (DCC). Please visit her web site at http://www.yourcareerplan.com/ for more information on her services.


To contact Mary Ann, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.