Comments on: Non-Independence Day

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 05:03:19 +0000

“So while it’s nice to reflect on a country’s independence from foreign powers while waiting for the pizza guy to arrive, just as our forefathers did, I think it’s better to think about independence on a more personal and regular basis.”

I believe it is always healthy to both recognize and celebrate your own personal independence on a daily basis, but it would be self-absorbed to not single out one day to celebrate the self-sacrifice of our countrymen before us who paved they way for us with their blood. The two ought not be confused.

By: Asatar Bair

Asatar Bair — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:49:06 +0000

It’s beautiful to think of being more free by giving more to others. That’s the paradox of love: we get a feeling of expansiveness and freedom, while being more connected to others and more engaged with them.

By: Jodi

Jodi — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:06:30 +0000

Thanks for the mention, Chris! As Kyle said above, it is always helpful to spend time with other similar-minded people, especially when you are returning home from a considerable time abroad. A support group of who get the independent lifestyle (and have made that kind of freedom a priority) goes a long way to helping buoy the choices you’ve made. Safe travels! – Jodi

By: Hamilton Shields

Hamilton Shields — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:37:23 +0000

I am consistently amazed how the first part of the process, acting selflessly, feeds back into the second, acting selfishly. Whether because of inspiration, confidence, purpose, or just joie de vivre the cliche is true: helping others helps ourselves.

But the reverse is true as well, when we start acting with the selfishness centered on true freedom, we have the emotional space, insight and freedom to help others in new, compelling and authentic ways.

Thanks as always for helping my thinking along!

By: tochi brown adimiche

tochi brown adimiche — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:45:50 +0000

excellent post, Chris! just what i needed to read this early morning before engaging with my daily ‘perceived security’ activity LOL

like you, myself, seth godin, steve pavlina et al have written several times, it’s all in the training of our minds. we’ve got to train ourselves to think differently in order to act differently. therein lies both the challenge & reward.

so my action items for today: part one, fix the stapler once and for all for my coworkers…

enjoy your travels!

By: Trackback from Free Pursuits

Trackback from Free Pursuits — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:36:59 +0000

[...] example, take minimalism and apply it to business. Take travel and combine it with changing the world. Take a design studio and bare your soul to your customers. Everett Bogue, Chris Guillebeau and [...]

By: Akemi

Akemi — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:28:14 +0000

I love this post!
If only we realized the power we all have… The mind is a powerful tool. It is easier to sit back and place blame elsewhere, than it is to chart a path and follow it. Maybe the hardest part is deciding where to go. After that though, the only way to go is up.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:26:30 +0000

The majority of people who work a classic 9-5 job definitely have much less independence than they believe they do.

Thanks for reminding us to be willing to give back to others. Those of us born in the U.S. are certainly very blessed and will never truly know how lucky we have it.

By: Norbert

Norbert — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:09:58 +0000

Thanks Chris! I think one of the greatest things a person can achieve in his/her life is its independence. And independence in many senses of the word (like mentioned before).
I agree that we shouldn’t give up our independence to “achieve” security. In my opinion, you’re not getting a “real” security feeling, because you are dependent on someone or something. Once it’s gone, what happens to you?

Thanks for sharing this post!

By: Del

Del — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:31:19 +0000

Thanks for a great post! “help everyone achieve the luxury of choice” really resonates with me and my family. We really want all of the freedom and wealth that we hope to build to go beyond ourselves. We can’t wait to see where that takes us!