(Taylor) Made in America: USA’s Birthday

As we gather to celebrate my favorite bank holiday, the 4th of July, I find myself reflecting on what this day and the premise of freedom means to me. Among the bursts of fireworks, which I find unnecessarily loud and frankly, upsetting, observing the 4th of July perfectly tees up all of the best parts of summer, in my opinion. I find myself especially grateful to have the freedom to be myself, to make my own choices, and to follow my passions. It’s the freedom to tie up my hair in low ponytails like a young colonial boy ready to die for his country and step into the world with pride and strength.

Important note: Friends don’t let friends celebrate America’s birthday and forget the brave individuals who have fought, and continue to fight, to uphold our freedom. I am keenly aware that my ability to enjoy the liberties I hold dear, including leisurely rounds of golf, comes from their unwavering dedication (and women’s rights).

So, this Fourth of July, whether you’re grilling in your backyard, watching the fireworks, or heading out for a round of golf, remember the spirit of the day. Celebrate your freedom, appreciate those who safeguard it, and embrace your colonial boy low pony tails, boo.

Just For Funzies:
Here’s a list of eighteen reflection prompts you and your golf besties can answer together today (or really anytime):

Reflection Prompts

  1. Hole 1 – Gratitude
    Reflect on a few aspects of your golf game and life/business that you’re grateful for.
  2. Hole 2 – Freedom
    How does the freedom to choose your golfing strategies and goals mirror/differ the freedom you have in shaping your personal life/career?
  3. Hole 3 – Bravery
    Recall a moment when you demonstrated bravery on the golf course and relate it to a situation in life/business where you took a courageous step.
  4. Hole 4 – Resilience
    Reflect on how your ability to bounce back from setbacks in golf translates to resilience in navigating challenges in life/business.
  5. Hole 5 – Perseverance
    Describe a time when your determination and perseverance in your golf game inspired you to persist in pursuing a major life goal.
  6. Hole 6 – Friendship
    Consider the friendships you’ve formed through golf and how you can do your part to help grow the game.
  7. Hole 7 – Personal Growth
    Reflect on how the skills and lessons learned in golf have contributed to your personal growth and development in life/business.
  8. Hole 8 – Courage
    Share a moment when you exhibited courage and took a calculated risk in your golf game that mirrors a similar bold decision in your life/business.
  9. Hole 9 – Resilience
    Reflect on a challenging moment on the golf course that tested your resilience and relate it to a difficult situation you overcame in life/business recently.
  10. Hole 10 – Gratitude
    Express gratitude for the opportunities that golf has provided you and how they have positively influenced your professional life.
  11. Hole 11 – Freedom
    Consider ways you can embrace the premise of freedom both on and off the course.
  12. Hole 12 – Perseverance
    Reflect on how you can support others in their efforts to persevere through challenging rounds on the course and in life.
  13. Hole 13 – Bravery
    Reflect on a moment when you displayed bravery mid/post-round by standing up for something you felt was right.
  14. Hole 14 – Friendship
    Share a memorable experience you had on the golf course with a friend or colleague and discuss how it strengthened your bond in both golf and/or life/business.
  15. Hole 15 – Personal Growth
    Explore how the mental and emotional growth you’ve experienced through golf has positively impacted your personal growth in life/business.
  16. Hole 16 – Friendship
    Consider the importance of golfing friendships and networking in your professional life/business and reflect on the support they provide.
  17. Hole 17 – Gratitude
    Reflect on the aspects of golf that you appreciate the most and how they parallel the elements in your life/business that bring you joy and fulfillment.
  18. Hole 18 – Freedom
    Contemplate how the freedom of expression and continual improvement in golf correlates with the freedom you have in shaping your life/business journey.

Wishing those who celebrate a relaxing 4th of July!