Create Your Personal Declaration of Independence

woman wrapped in an american flag - personal deceleration of independence

It’s that time of year again! America is celebrating Her independence, freedom, and strength! The Declaration of Independence was drafted with the hopes of giving Americans a life of freedom and the ability to pursue individualism. The colonists finally said enough is enough and put their thoughts to paper in a well-constructed document outlining their wants, hopes, and dreams for the country. We can all always use a reminder of this! And while the well-being of our country is essential, one must never forget their own individual role. So, take a note from the country’s founders, say enough is enough in your own life, and create your own Personal Declaration of Independence.

Personal Declaration of Independence, Women with Sparklers

Writing Your Own Personal Declaration of Independence

By studying the Declaration of Independence, you too can write a document outlining your own way to freedom! Take this Fourth of July as an opportunity to learn from the country we all love and admire so much and draft your own Personal Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration has 5 main parts. Each part asking a different question about why you want freedom and how you plan to get it. Putting your thoughts to paper and taking the time to answer these questions and make your own personal Declaration of Independence will help you to personal freedom.

Personal Declaration of Independence, writting in a notebook

PART 1: Preamble

Why write a personal declaration of independence?

“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.”

Think of how you want to live your life, what are your personal truths? What is the philosophy you want to live your life by? Keep it short and concise so that it is easy to remember!

PART 2: Philosophical Foundation

What gives you the right to declare your independence?

We all forget sometimes that we are entitled to happiness and freedom! The section is referred to as the Indictment. Think about what in your life is holding you back from having these things. Don’t be afraid to dig deep and let it all out in this section.

goddess mirrror koket luxury brass hands

PART 3: List of Grievances

How have your basic rights been violated?

Think of actual examples of what in your life has kept you from taking the steps to personal freedom. It could be work-related, family-related, a boyfriend problem, or personal self-doubt, the possibilities here are endless. It is important to have specific examples so that you can see exactly what is holding you back.

PART 4: Explanation of the Previous Acts

What have you already done to solve your problems up to this point?

This section may be longer for some and shorter for others. Maybe you have already started to fix your problems and that is great! But it is also just as great if this section is short. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Maybe you go get yourself a massage every few weeks or you finally started to distance yourself from that friend that always brings drama into your life. Maybe you are picking up a new hobby or standing up for yourself at work. Think of this section as a mental health awareness, where is your headspace at? Are you taking enough time for yourself and your mental health?

Personal Declaration of Independence, finding freedom

PART 5: Resolution

What do you intend to do?

“As Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.”

Here is where you put your plan of attack. Think of yourself as an independent state with the ability to be in charge of your future. This is almost a promise to yourself. As an independent state, you and only you are in charge of your choices and how you want to live your life. Promise to take control back over your life and make the necessary changes to do so.

Words by Kendall Mayer