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Embracing Gratitude on the 4th of July

Writer: Bill Carlson Bill Carlson
Jul 4, 20243 min read

Updated: Jul 3, 2024


The 4th of July, Independence Day, is a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude. While fireworks light up the sky and families gather for barbecues, it’s an opportune moment to pause and consider the deeper meanings behind the festivities. Gratitude, a cornerstone of HOGA (Honesty, Openness, Gratitude, Awareness), offers a powerful lens through which we can appreciate this holiday. Here's why and what we should be grateful for this Independence Day.


The Gift of Freedom


First and foremost, the 4th of July marks the birth of our nation and the freedoms we enjoy. The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, laid the groundwork for the rights and liberties we often take for granted today. Freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the pursuit of happiness are privileges that many around the world still strive for. Reflecting on the sacrifices made by countless individuals to secure these freedoms reminds us to cherish and protect them.


The Unity in Diversity


The United States is a tapestry of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths. On Independence Day, we can express gratitude for the richness that different perspectives bring to our communities. Whether through sharing traditional foods, stories, or music, celebrating our diversity fosters understanding and unity. It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we are all part of the same national family.


The Opportunity for Progress


Gratitude on the 4th of July extends beyond acknowledging our past to appreciating the opportunities we have for the future. Our country is a work in progress, continually evolving through the efforts of those who strive for justice, equality, and innovation. Reflecting on how far we’ve come and recognizing the work that still needs to be done inspires us to contribute positively to our society. It's a day to be thankful for the platform we have to enact change and improve our nation.


The Bonds of Family and Community


Independence Day is also a time to appreciate the people around us. The gatherings with family and friends, the shared meals, and the communal celebrations create bonds that strengthen our sense of belonging. These moments of connection are invaluable. They remind us that we are not alone in our journeys and that we have a support system to lean on. Being grateful for these relationships enhances our emotional well-being and reinforces the importance of community.


The Beauty of Our Land


Our country is blessed with diverse landscapes, from the majestic mountains and vast plains to serene beaches and lush forests. The 4th of July is a perfect occasion to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. Whether enjoying a picnic in a local park, watching fireworks over a lake, or simply taking a moment to breathe in the fresh air, expressing gratitude for the environment encourages us to be mindful stewards of our planet.


Personal Growth and Reflection


Lastly, Independence Day offers a moment for personal reflection. As we consider the broader themes of freedom and community, we can also look inward and be grateful for our personal journeys. Each of us has faced challenges and overcome obstacles to be where we are today. Acknowledging our resilience and growth allows us to appreciate our own strength and potential. It’s a time to set intentions for the future and to commit to living with honesty, openness, gratitude, and awareness.


Conclusion


Let's embrace gratitude in all of its forms as we celebrate this 4th of July. By reflecting on our freedoms, appreciating our diversity, acknowledging our opportunities for progress, valuing our relationships, marveling at our natural surroundings, and recognizing our personal growth, we can deepen our appreciation for this special day. Gratitude transforms our perspective, allowing us to find joy and meaning in the present moment. This Independence Day, let’s light up our hearts with gratitude as brightly as the fireworks in the sky.








 
 
 

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What the Professionals Are Saying 

"I teach a course on negotiations, during which I spend a good deal of time talking about honesty and ethics in negotiations. As an ethics researcher, I think it is important that students not only understand strategies for successfully claiming value in negotiations, but also learn about the temptations they will face to engage in unethical bargaining, and unethical behavior more broadly in their professional careers. Bill brought this message to life. Bill explained to my students – with openness, authenticity, and scientific insight – the ethical missteps he took in his career. I am incredibly grateful to have had Bill in my class – I learned from him just as much as my students did. I think he would be a welcome, and much needed, addition to any course related to ethics, well-being, power and influence, or negotiations (and likely many more!)."   

                                                                        Professor Emma Levine/ University of Chicago Booth School of Business 

“Bill Carlson has a reservoir of experience that will resonate with college students and professionals from all walks of life. Seldom do you encounter an individual willing to openly share his foibles and mistakes in an attempt to deviate the life paths of those mutually-inclined to make the same errors. Bill lays his life bare in his presentation and shares the detrimental impact his decision-making had on his personal and professional life; yet he lays the foundation for an inroad to a better future built upon his gratitude for life, learning from his mistakes, and pursuit of his new definition of “life wholeness”.  

                                                                         Dr. William C. McCoy, Director/Rutland Institute for Ethics

                                                                         Visiting Professor, College of Education/Clemson University 

"For over 30 years, I have been teaching full- and part-time. For the past eleven years I have been a member of the accounting faculty at Fordham University. This semester, Fall 2021, Mr. Carlson agreed to speak with my students about his story, and I can say that I have had few guest speakers who delivered such a powerful message about the importance of professional obligations. It was the story of a seemingly nice guy who exhibited a lack of judgment and would pay a heavy price for it. Most importantly, it is a story of a man who reflected upon his moral lapse and has made a solid commitment to helping others."              

                                                                                       Timothy P. Hedley, Ph.D., CPA, CFF, CFE

                                                                            Retired Global Leader of Fraud Risk Management Services, KPMG LLP

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