Today our country celebrates its independence.

What about you? Is it time for you to:

Break a habit that isn’t working for you?
Change a behavior that doesn’t bring the desired results?
Work on a relationship that has not been satisfying?

This year, make Independence Day a personal holiday. The 4th of July is the time to declare your independence from an old way of doing. It may even lead to a new way of being!

I’m not suggesting huge changes, those require careful planning. It’s the small, everyday things that put a damper on your self-esteem. Those things you know you shouldn’t do, but you continue to because you are reluctant to take a risk, experience discomfort, or fear upsetting someone.

For example:

You could refrain from talking on your cell phone while driving,
Stop being critical in situations where encouragement might work better
Begin “peace talks” in a relationship that has been adversarial.

Self care is setting yourself free from that which isn’t working for you.

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This message is from friend and counselor Karen Rowinsky, LSCSW, who is a licensed master social worker.  She has a private counseling practice in Overland Park, KS.  Contact her or sign up for Self CareWeeklyTips to Help You Create the Life You Desire at www.overlandparkcounseling.com.