Independence and Freedom are considered synonymous words, yet by their inherent meanings,  they cast a wide difference of interpretation within each of us.  We declared our independence from England in 1776 and became a country free to establish its own government.  This set off a string of actions that challenged the meaning and interpretation of those two words.  History provides us with a rich documentation of those early days.  Emotional Intelligence was the back bone of us becoming the United States of America.

How Was Emotional Intelligence The Backbone Of Our Independence?

The early leaders in our country came from a well-established government with years of experience and challenges.  Their education and  prominence provided the know how in setting up our constitution still the basis for our democracy.  Their greatest advantage was their ability to empathize, feel self-confident, spends endless hours in service, and manage their emotions. Also, they were accountable to their peers and sustained hope even when their challenges seemed impassable.  Their gratefulness for the opportunity to provide this unique form of government helped them to overcome frustrations and disappointments. These seven attributes of Emotional intelligence enabled them to form our democracy, the United States of America.

If Our Leaders and Citizens Do Not Have Emotional Intelligent Skills, Will Our Democracy Survive?

Our Independence Day is here!  The Pandemic is giving us a very unique and different holiday!  Perhaps, appropriate, considering that  the citizens of our country have not adhered to the behaviors required to maintain our collective health and safety. Systemic racism has reared its ugly head so we can shine a light on its inequities. Our economic structure is collapsing.  Our politics is destructive and meaningless.  Consequently, the legacy we leave our children does not resemble the pledge of allegiance.  Time for contemplation and quiet seems to be what we are being asked to consider on this 4th of July Independence Day holiday.  Contemplation and quiet gives us the opportunity to re-evaluate our individual commitment to the words independence and freedom and how we interpret their meanings!

If It Took Emotional Intelligence To Create Our Democracy, We Will Need It to Survive!

Therefore, we will need to heed the medical advice of our national medical leaders and wear masks. Firstly, we need to maintain social distancing. Secondly, we must respect our neighbors and ensure their safety and well-being as well as our own. Thirdly, as individuals, we must do all we can to ensure that Black Lives Matter…that All Lives Matter.  Lastly, vote in decent and competent political leaders who understand democracy and attempt to level the playing field for all races and cultures.  Though we can not view fireworks together as is tradition, let’s take the time to share with our children the true meaning of democracy and the part they need to play in their legacy of Independence and Freedom.  Let’s begin to study what emotional intelligence is and how to practice it on a daily basis. This is how we will not only survive but also thrive!

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