You’re A Firework!

Northshore Overlook- iGnite’s own ‘Ladies of Liberty’ celebrating their independence after a fun and sweaty workout–Yahooo!!!

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness
— United States Declaration of Independence

Action Item:
Remember our Founding Fathers and take into consideration their independent and forward-thinking mindset and sacrifice that allow us to celebrate our natural rights (life, liberty and pursuit of happiness)- not only on the 4th of July, but on every day of our lives. Live everyday to the fullest, pursue your passions and remember that you have the liberty to choose your actions, attitude and outcomes.

by Neissa Springmann

Honestly, I should be ashamed of myself. My father has taught American History for 32 years, I’m a proud American and I love the United States, yet I can hardly recall the details that led to the Founding Fathers writing and declaring our independence from Britain. Feeling irresponsible and ashamed, I asked my dad for a quick history lesson. Really, all I wanted was the cliff notes version which was a silly and somewhat insulting request and would be the equivalent of asking me to give a five minute summary of how to live a healthy and holistic life. The topic of our history of independence is too important and summarizing that is impossible. So, two hours and two powerpoint presentations later, I received a fascinating American history lesson that was much needed and oh so interesting!

Much like becoming educated and taking responsibility for our health and wellness, getting re-educated and remembering our country’s history is immensely important. It allows us to embrace our natural rights and never take them for granted, which sometimes is easily forgotten. Therefore, in pursuit of remembering the details of why we celebrate the 4th of July I’m going to give you the ‘bullet point version’ of how and why our Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence. Also check out the Weekly Intention Guide for assistance in creating goals to start living your life more fully today, in remembrance of our history. Unfortunately, I don’t have a recording of my father’s fantastic lesson, although I know he’d jump at the opportunity to deliver it to you.

History Lesson of our Declaration of Independence

King George III of England reigned over North America (the colonists), controlling religious and economic freedoms, just to name a couple.
After defeating the French in the French and Indian War, the colonists became confident and realized they no longer needed “Mother England” for protection, food, etc.
King George III continued to tax and control the colonists
The colonists resisted and revolted
1774- The 1st Continental Congress met and made the decision to boycott English goods and form militias, preparing to fight for their independence from Britain
May 1775- The 2nd Continental Congress met, where Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Philip Livingston were chosen to write the Declaration of Independence.
July 4,1776- The Declaration of Independence was adopted
1783- Hip Hip HORRAY!! The Colonists defeated Britain in the Revolutionary War, and the Treaty of Paris was signed ending British rule forever.

I hope this condensed version was helpful and somewhat inspiring, but most importantly, I hope you’ll embrace your freedom to the utmost and enjoy every day as if it were the 4th of July, always giving thanks and celebrating your freedom. We are beyond blessed to live in a country whose Founding Fathers set us up for tremendous success. It is my belief that we are all capable of pursuing and achieving our dreams while living each day to the very fullest. We have all been given the privilege of a blank and free canvas to paint exactly what we choose, unlike the Revolutionists, Founding Fathers and the millions (possibly billions) of world citizens who had and continue to put their lives on the line in order to enjoy their natural rights. Therefore, keep our brave founders in mind as you fearlessly set out to live your best life and remember that you have been gifted the liberty to choose your actions, attitude and outcomes.

I also believe that if the five writers of the Declaration of Independence were here today, they would be cheering you on and reminding you that “Baby you’re a FIREWORK. You’ve just gotta iGnite the light and let it shine. Just own the night like the Fourth of July cause baby you’re a FIREWORK. Come on show’em what you’re worth. Make’em go Oh, Oh Oh as you shoot across the sky-y-y-!” Enough of the lyric writing. Check out the video and listen to my personal and iGnite‘s new and favorite theme song that I hope you’ll adopt as your own too. And, because there are no fireworks in Austin this year, I hope you’ll enjoy the firework display too. Happy Fourth of July and Let Your Freedom Ring!!!!