One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise. “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise. I rise.” It’s a favorite because it reminds me to live as though someone died without the freedom to live the life that I’m blessed to live.

On this Juneteenth, which has the attention of the whole country, if not the world, I am especially cognizant of this quote. While I’m not in the streets celebrating Juneteenth via parade, or picnic, or rally, I’m at home on my computer, becoming.

Becoming even more free. Becoming more of the dream. Becoming better acquainted with who I am, what I want, and why I’m even here.

Although June 19, 1865 marks the actual first date of Juneteenth, we all know that we are becoming free, still, 155 years later. I know that when I walk into certain stores, I’m not free to shop without being followed. When I drive a certain type of car, I’m not free to drive without police following me with the assumption that something is wrong. I know that when I’ve applied for certain jobs, when I showed up for the interview, I was not free to assume that I would be fairly considered for the position based on my resume and interview.

But on this day, I will enjoy the freedom that I know I have. I have the freedom to become more of who I want to be. As America works on it’s growth, I continue to work on mine.

This time 2 years ago, I was becoming a travel agent. Since then I have created an amazing experience for over 250 women. This time 2 months ago, I was becoming an owner of my own travel agency, something I didn’t imagine I could do in such a short amount of time.

Today I am becoming a life coach. I studied psychology in college way back in the 80’s, so I’ve always had that interest. But now, with downtime and so many online educational opportunities, I am becoming my dream, yet again.

As we celebrate Juneteenth in whatever way we choose, lets not just say we are free-ish. But lets do whatever we can to become more free. Some will protest. Some will have heartfelt conversations. Some will continue to evolve. What are you doing to celebrate your freedom? Leave a comment. And Happy Juneteenth!