When you think of July 4th, you may think of colorful fireworks displays, lazy family picnics or sunny backyard BBQs. These are some of the wonderful memories that come to mind when I think of July 4th.

I have cherished childhood memories of spending summers visiting with my grandmother – Grandma Quinn – in South Carolina, whose birthday fell on July 4th. I was fortunate that July 4th meant quality time spent with family.

But our July 4th associations should run even deeper than that, especially as independent business owners and entrepreneurs.

Why?

Because the core values we celebrate on July 4th – independence and freedom– are the very same values that allow us to live the lives we love. Without the independence and freedom that we enjoy here in the United States, our professional goals and aspirations would be little more than distant pipedreams.

For me, July 4th is more than just a day of celebration. It’s a day of gratitude.

I’m grateful and privileged to live in a country where I can get up every morning, diligently run my proven business model, and enjoy the results of my labour without fear of oppression.

I’m grateful and humbled to be in a position where I can teach other entrepreneurs the tools, strategies and mindsets they need to build their own legacy businesses.

And I’m incredibly grateful and indebted to the brave forces who literally put their lives on the line to ensure that the safety, the security and the freedom I treasure remains intact.

When we juggle personal responsibilities, professional demands and busy schedules, it’s so easy to take these gifts for granted. But on July 4th, I encourage you to reflect on just how fortunate we are to be able to pursue our best lives.

Let July 4th serve as a reminder that we all have a real opportunity – and arguably an obligation – to do all that we can to achieve all that we can. In short, we owe it to ourselves to take advantage of our freedom and actualize our potential.

At Celeste Giordano Coaching, I help my clients build the legacy businesses that couldn’t be built without the priceless freedoms and liberties we enjoy.

Commit yourself to pursuing your personal and professional passions fiercely. And today, take the time to think about just how fortunate we are to dream big, work hard and achieve the seemingly unachievable.

Wishing you a safe and prosperous July 4th weekend.