​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

Fourth of July, our Independence Day was declared a national holiday to memorialize the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4,
1776. This public statement announced that the thirteen American colonies regarded themselves as independent states and were no longer a part of the British Empire. Instead, they now formed a new nation
called the United States of America.

As we celebrate with friends and family this Fourth of July, let us remember that our freedom does not come free. We are the land of the free – because of the brave. While we take time to recognize our country’s rich history, it is also important to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Let us take a moment to reflect on how
blessed we all are to call ourselves Americans.

As John Adams so thoughtfully expressed his sentiments in a letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776, “This will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

This Fourth of July, I wish for you to be surrounded by family and friends, enjoying good food, music, outdoor fun & games followed by spectacular fireworks!! I know I plan to be with the people that I love most by my side, with food in our bellies and love in our hearts, celebrating our Freedom with a deep sense of gratitude of the Spirit of ’76.
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Let freedom ring!
Eliana Barriga
eliana@retailobserver.com

Why do some of us find dealing with change such a challenge? I think it is just simply human nature. Change often knocks us off balance and sends a signal to our brain to start adjusting. Sometimes these adjustments feel uncomfortable, especially if major changes occur over long periods of time. Because our brain expects things to stay the same, we easily begin to judge change as a negative thing.

However, as you look at the world around, you’ll notice that things are constantly moving and continually changing everywhere! We live in a world of perpetual change. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus coined it perfectly, “The only constant in life is change.”

What if we started looking at things differently? What if we lived in a state of understanding that things will and do change, and then begin to trust the process that we can and will adjust as we need to? Instead of looking at change as extremely stressful and doing everything possible to avoid it (you know who you are), start by looking at change as a welcome part of your day-to-day life and embrace it. Eventually we might even get to the point where we look forward to it!

The good news is science tells us that we can do just that! We can reprogram our brain and belief systems so that the adjustments that change brings no longer need to cause us undue stress. This is a good skill to have these days, with the rapidly changing current events that are happening in our world today. We need to keep our stress levels low and stable as we raise our joy levels up!

So, next time you’re faced with change, instead of freaking out–trying to maintain and keep things the same, try embracing it and ask yourself "how can I adjust my reaction and benefit from this change?” Start by reimagining a positive outcome, and then actually take steps that move you in a new and different direction. You know, sometimes it’s just ok to end a chapter in life and start a fresh one. Trust yourself to allow change to be the catalyst for something new and wonderful in your life.

Embrace the possibilities!
Eliana Barriga
​eliana@retailobserver.com