Friday, July 1, 2016, forever changed my life and the significance of the 4th of July. I will never celebrate this holiday the same way again.

It all started with a joke. I told God, “Why don’t you allow me to resign so on July 4th I can truly celebrate my independence?” Well, the joke later turned out to be on me.

I had toyed for years with the idea of pursuing my side hustle and small business for had the normal fear that most considering 100% self-employment do. It was fun when I was growing my hustle into a legitimate business, but I was burning the candle at both ends and my body was suffering as a result. It was time to make the decision to quit one or the other.

As scary as the risk of 100% self-employment seemed to be, scarier was the thought of quitting on myself. I had done that too many times and, if I didn’t bet on myself with my own passion, the opportunity might never come again. So I made my decision and submitted my resignation from my government position. My last day of work was scheduled for Friday, July 1st, 2016.

Imagine my surprise when I was told by human resources that I could actually leave on Thursday, June 30th, at the end of the pay cycle. I don’t have to tell you what I did, lol. 

My prayer was answered and, since that day, I look at July 4th as a different type of independence day. Happy 4th of July! Remember, freedom is never free and the price paid for it is steep. Live free, fight for your independence, and celebrate it every day.