Meaningful 4th Of July Actions

This is the start of the Independence day weekend. For some a time of celebration, for others a time of remembrance. Many people struggle to balance this holiday weekend and the racist roots of our country. Our country was founded on slavery and the stealing of Native lands. One way to balance this history is to find alternative actions to take instead of the typical food and fireworks, in celebration.

Taking actions to deconstruct white supremacist systems:

This might look like watching a film or listening to a speech or reading an article.

This might mean taking a white audit of the organizations you are part of and asking questions such as:

What diversity is present?
What diversity is missing?
What are some of the barriers to greater diversity?
How can we dismantle those barriers? 

This might mean educating yourself around the issues of intersectionality that you friends and family and neighbors are facing.

Taking actions to normalize mental health.

This might mean you taking an online course exploring mental health first aid or exploring the physiological foundations of mental health.

This might mean you taking the time to check in with yourself and your mental health.

Where are you thriving?
Where are you struggling?
Where might you reach out for support?
What actions could you do right now to start?

This might mean taking the time to check-in and listen to those in your life who might appreciate someone reaching out.

Taking actions to declutter your life:

This might mean physically decluttering, removing what no longer servers you, and finding a place for everything else

This might mean unplugging, unsubscribing from emails you don't need, setting limits to the amount of time you spend on social media, or the time you spend on the news.

This might mean a goal audit where you drill down into what your current goals are and what you can do right now towards those goals.

I hope no matter how you celebrate or remember this 4th of July weekend that your actions are meaningful to you.