Independence Day. A day of celebration: off of work, gone to the lake, having a picnic, grilling out, throwing a party, setting off fireworks. Most of us will at least be participating in some of these activities this weekend. Because we want to, because we planned it and because we can.

We owe our liberties to the many men and women who have sacrificed their lives over the course of this country's history. We may not have all the freedoms that we would like as a community but we have it so much better than many of our sisters in the Middle East or China.

While we celebrate our freedom as a country, we must stop and begin to think about our personal freedom. It is as individualistic as each and every one of us are.

It is time to contemplate, not the universe, but our own souls. What is it that is holding us back, inhibiting our progress or stifling our connectedness? Is there something that has you bogged down in the goo of life? Is there a person that somehow keeps you stagnated and refuses to let you grow? Are you stopping yourself from moving forward?

It has been said that there are only two reasons that people do anything: love or fear. Which one is steering you through time and space?

Design your freedom this Holiday weekend. Analyze the restraints that have you chained to your demons. Let go of the fear that paralyzes you and embrace that small still voice deep inside your heart that whispers softly to your spirit. You know you hear it.

True freedom begins within: without the fear and starting with love.