Happy Inter-Dependance Day! Yes, you read that correctly. Happy inter-dependence day, also known as July 4th.

This year, I had several friends wish me this on Wednesday, and it made me think of the value of words and their meanings. I have learned that one small change in my life can affect changes in others. I am reminded that we don’t have to be powerful to notice our power.

I saw a friend’s post about where our money goes and how we have the ability to control some of that…shop local, support independent artists, tip your servers generously (including housekeeping at your next hotel stay) and support local nonprofits…interdependence. My world is greater because of the people (and pets) in it!

So this July 4th week, think of who you are as a person, an Atlantan, an American, a world citizen. Whose lives do you affect daily, weekly, once in a while? Are you mindful of your interconnectedness. What do others do for you and you for them? What could be better? Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that you notice that can make a huge difference. Don’t be afraid to try.

Leanne Rubenstein
Compassion Cultivator 
Compassionate Atlanta