Happy 4th of July!

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Independence means a lot of things to a lot of people. Obviously, July 4th is a big deal here in the u.S. because it’s when our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence. We still had to fight to gain that independence, but the declaration was a powerful move.

I’ve been pretty bad about writing, let alone writing on my themes which is the whole purpose of this blog. I hope I am starting to get back on track now. It’s much needed in more ways than one. So here I go with some thoughts on independence.

I don’t think I need to rehash old thoughts on all the varying types of independence. Clearly it can be from parents, financial burdens, emotional independence (from an abusive partner or parent), from your own insecurities, etc. It can mean a lot of things but whatever it is to you, it’s significant. Being and feeling like one can take care of oneself is a feeling that’s almost indescribable. The reality is, much of it is a state of mind so reaching that point takes a lot of effort but can be so rewarding and lasting. Once you get there, no one can take it from you. It’s a big deal.

So on that note, I’m keeping the writing a bit short this time and instead, doing a late select-a-set. Read this for a review of what select-a-sets are. Quickly, it’s me presenting three songs that have a running theme of some kind. As I get back into this segment of my blog, I hope to make them a bit more challenging. I hope to get more listeners/readers and hopefully gain some feedback and get people talking about what the theme may be. For now though, it’s simply about independence. Enjoy!

First song – The Dixie Chicks – “Wide Open Spaces.” I love this song! First The Dixie Chicks are such a fun group. I enjoy their lyrics and music – very good musicians! This song is so much about growing up, maturing and gaining independence from parents and family. It’s a coming of age song that everyone can relate to, I think. Shoot, she starts out by saying “who doesn’t know what I’m talking about?”

Second song – Nelly Furtado – “I’m Like a Bird” – this song is so lovely. It’s so beautifully put together. It’s about those free spirits that can’t ever be tied down – difficult for most of us to understand and yet we’re so drawn to them for their sense of freedom. Must be nice to be so free and at times lonely.

Third song – Des’ree’s “You Gotta Be.” Such an uplifting song. As I said, independence is, not only, but mostly a state of mind – it can’t be reached until you’re ready for it in your head in some fashion. This song encourages the listener to be bold, be brave and take the challenge to be independent. It’s worth it. Her voice and the instrumentation is also simply lovely.