Lots of things on my mind this morning as we celebrate the bold and courageous spirit that guided the founding of these United States of America:

1. For the Founding Fathers, the creation of this nation state was perhaps the largest burden they could bear in their lifetimes, and they bore it. What is mine, what is yours? And what are we doing about it? The secret to your purpose in this sense is probably found in all those things you know you should be doing, but you’re avoiding.
2. We live in a world of seemingly peak judgment and criticism. Nobody likes or thrives in such an environment, and you’ve probably found that you cannot complain or withdraw your way out of it. You must overcome it. To overcome, you must stop saying and doing things that make you weak. Stop fighting dragons that aren’t in your wa and recognize that complaint is naught but an excuse for inaction. Focus instead on setting your own house in perfect order. This will release ripples of positive influence into the word around you. It’ll change you; it’ll change the world.
3. Associate with those who want the best for you. Distance yourself from those who agree or sympathize with your faults, inadequacies, and complaints. This will be less comfortable initially as pressure will build for change in you. Don’t worry, you’ll acclimate to that pressure and eventually crave it. It’ll make you a better person.
4. Quest for adventure; the human heart demands it. Your heart requires it. As it was said, “Be ye therefore perfect.” Adventuring to excellence in all that you pursue is the best antidote to suffering, misery and malaise. The easy ways out all lead to hell.