The second paragraph of the first article in the Declaration of Independence discusses liberty – “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.“

As many of us know, when it was first written, the intent was to exclude all groups except white men, but fortunately that has changed. In the United States, it includes all who reside here – particularly those who are bonafide U.S. citizens. That’s what makes today so special.

On this day, 158 years ago, a Union general, General Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended. General Granger’s announcement put into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued nearly two and a half years earlier, on January 1, 1863, by President Abraham Lincoln.

To commemorate their freedom, those same African Americans began a celebration the following year which we now know as “Juneteenth” (short for June nineteenth), “Juneteenth Independence Day,” “Freedom Day” or “Emancipation Day.”

At least in the United States, we’re all free…right?

But, are we all operating in our liberty?

Currently, the U.S. is undergoing an identity crisis which is causing many issues to surface that must be addressed. Yet, I have been reminded by a dear friend that the only person we can control is ourselves. If we, as individuals, don’t feel like we’re experiencing liberty, it’s up to us as individuals to do something about it.

As a career coach, of course my big focus is always career – particularly because it takes up so much of our life.

So, I’ll ask you the question – are you walking in liberty in your career?

Are you doing the work you want to do?

Are you engaging with the kinds of people you want to be around?

Are you growing in the ways you want to grow?

Are you making the impact you want to make?

Are you serving those you feel like you’re supposed to serve?

If not, what are you going to do about it?

The liberty in your career can and will only come through your efforts. If you want to experience true career liberty, I’ll share my twist on an old saying,

“Find the path that you really want, pursue it with everything in you, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” 

Happy Juneteenth!

Until next time….