Are you independent?

I LOVE the 4th of July. All of my life I grew up and the 4th of July was always my favorite holiday. This was a day my entire family was home, we went to a picnic at the local Park District, and at the end of the day we were able to see a display of fireworks that amazed me. I loved the sounds, I loved the display, and I loved the feeling of all of us being together celebrating.

However, even though all of the things listed above meant a lot to me at the time, I am sorry to admit that I never really took in the real meaning of Independence Day. The past couple of years have helped me grow when it comes to knowing just what it means to be independent.

Because of the independence that our country allows, I have been able to follow my dreams, and begin my own company. Many people have taken on this dream as well. There are more small companies in country now than any other time in history. With the current economy, this has become a difficult time for these small companies, but they can make it. Running a company is difficult. Finding the right people to help you run the company is imperative to helping your company succeed.

If you have a small company, there are many small tasks that need to be completed, there are many tasks that need to be completed that are not so small, and there are tasks that cost a considerable amount of money to have completed. From marketing to bookkeeping, many times, locating a Virtual Assistant that is diverse in these tasks will help your company complete all of this work for a small amount of money.

Whatever you do, do not let yourself become overwhelmed. Let someone else help you before you get to that point. This person should be able to help you in the way you need. If you cannot handle the books, find someone to handle the books. If you cannot handle the marketing, let someone take that task away. If you cannot find the time to schedule your appointments, find someone to make the calls. If you cannot book your travel, find someone to book it for you.

Honestly, doing what you love to do is where your heart should be. If you started a company, because you love what you do, and then realized all of these other tasks need to be done too, and you do not like them so much, then find someone who does.

Owning your company should give you the independence that you sought out when you started it. Your company should not be running you; you should be running your company. Enjoy your independence.

Independence Day

What is Independence Day to you? I have always loved the 4th of July, always, but I never took in what it really meant, until recently.

There is a war going on. Our country is fighting in a war. Looking out my window, I would never guess that was happening. Yet, in my heart, I know it is. My best friend in the whole world, whom I have known since Kindergarten, has a son, LCpl, James Johnson, who has decided that he is going to fight for his country. James, who will always be 'Jimmy' to me, will be deploying in August.

I have joked for many years that Jimmy is my first child, but it never hit me until the actual date of deployment came through, that Jimmy really is like my first child. He was raised very well, graduated, decided that the fire truck I bought him when he was 7 will play a part in his life ;) and he became a volunteer fireman, then went on for training as a medic, and then decided that he would take his knowledge to the Middle East. What a great kid.

Although I will never fully feel what his mother feels, my heart, my prayers, and thoughts will be with Lynda, Jose, and Jimmy until he returns. Thank you Jimmy, for being the great kid that you are. Thank you fighting for our country. Stay safe, and be well. You are loved by many!