Fourth of July is Independence Day!! Reclaim Your Independence!

Yes-it's the Fourth of July, Independence day....so what are you doing over your three day weekend? Are you going to suck it up and work anyway, despite the fact that you will be the only one in the office? Will you be meeting the needs of others, while neglecting your own? I should hope not! You may think there's nothing else to do anyway, why not get some work done...but you're wrong. There's plenty to do, you simply need to reclaim your Independence for this three day weekend, and leave the rat-race behind.

Everyone deserves and needs the chance to relax and unwind. You're no different, especially if you have become a slave to the corporate world. Taking these three days for yourself could be one of the most important steps in your life. Your kids and your spouse, if you have one, will always remember a special holiday weekend, but I promise you that your boss will never think about it at your next review, so take the weekend off and take advantage of some of these suggestions to renew your spirit.

There is something to do in every single city in America over the holiday weekend, from adventure to family oriented fun. Do a google search on what events are in your area and plan a three day weekend, whether close to home or far away. You don't have to be rich to enjoy all that life has to provide, you can go to the state park to camp, see the fireworks, go on a picnic, grill out at home before the fireworks, take a hike, or go to a free event or festival! These are things you can do alone or with family and friends for next to nothing, so there is no "I don't have the money" excuse here. Even your poorest of friends can join you, The 4th is a day for everyone to celebrate, but what about the next two days?

Remember that project you started that meant so much to you....you know, the one you set aside because you didn't have time to complete it. Guess what? It's still there! Now is the perfect time to get some satisfaction and get it done, whether it be the deck, the garden, or the trim on the house. Get a few friends together and make a party of it, and follow it up with a grilling out session that will knock your socks off! Fun and work really do mix, especially if you like the work! Maybe it's the scrapbook you and your daughter were working on, or simply arranging your photos to your satisfaction.

Remember that work at home business opportunity that you wanted to look into, but never had the time, or got overwhelmed? You have all day to research that again, or look for other things that might work for you. You might want to use some of that stimulus check to fund this business now, and escape from corporate slavery! Just think how it would feel to be truly independent!

How about that friend that has nobody this holiday? Take them out to lunch! Invite them for a barbecue, or just give them a call to see what's going on in their life. Tell them what you've been doing, and make plans to do something. You still have Sunday to look forward to, and you have had two whole days to enjoy!

Daydream a little, think of the possibilities in your future. Do something to make your life more enjoyable, even if it's doing the dishes, or re-arranging the cupboards. Go to a festival, a flea market, or hit the road antique shopping. Head out for a garage sale, nothing beats a day of retail therapy at a bargain price!

Make something new, a dish you were always afraid to try, and enjoy it with friends. Look at new recipes and learn something new this weekend. Make a new cocktail or drink to go with, and set the table on the patio with real dishes, and candles. Spoil yourself, and relish in the glory of finally having the time to enjoy life!

Especially for you ladies, have a ladies night, complete with cocktails, food, and a couple of videos. If you want to include families in this it is optional, just keep the video clean and the alcohol served after the kids are in bed. Don't let anyone drive home under the influence, have a couple of tents in the yard and you can have a good old fashioned camping night. Don't forget the nail polish!

You will return to work on Monday refreshed and with a new outlook on life, and your boss won't miss you at all.
I'll see you Monday at the office!