Here in the states, today we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And his legacy always reminds me to be grateful.

It also always reminds me of one particular day during 5th grade and I want to share it with you.

You see, I was in a special program for gifted and talented kids in my school where twice a week I went to another school for a half day for special classes.

One day, when we arrived at our regular school after our morning away, things were very different in our classroom.

No one was talking, the desks were arranged in straight lines, (instead of our 4 desk clumps) and everyone had these pained expressions on their faces.

It was odd. I mean, we often had quiet time but, this was different. We weren’t even allowed to raise our hands to ask a question.

Then lunch time came, but, it was weird too. No one was talking, everyone was dead silent and we ate in silence too. It was as if an entirely new set of rules had been invoked while I was gone. I had never ate in silence before at home or at school (I am from Italian heritage and an extrovert afterall.)

At recess, instead of playing, we were forced to march in single-file lines around the playground without talking. For 30 minutes we marched in silence and I had no idea what was going on but, I knew I didn’t like it.

I was confused and scared.

After recess, we were taken into an auditorium and finally the teachers explained these changes.

We were told that the changes were just for today and an experiment to teach us a little bit about what it would be like to be robbed of our freedoms. You see all day we couldn’t talk, express opinions, be ourselves, or play. And the lesson had sunk in. We were pensive, grateful it was over, and relieved.

I’ve never forgotten that day at Mary Bryan Elementary School. I was taught a valuable lesson and have never taken my freedoms for granted because of it.

I hope this reminds you of how blessed we are at business owners and self-employed.

Not only do we have the freedom to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but, as business owners, we can have:

• time freedom – we can work when we want, we set our own schedules
• freedom to do the work we love and outsource or automate the rest
• freedom to choose who we work with as clients, vendors, and our team
• freedom to work from wherever we want (like I did this summer when I visited family in Indiana)
• freedom to grow our income
• freedom to work in our jammies at home (like I am today)

Here’s to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his commitment and love for human kind. Today I celebrate his life and his work.

Ok, now for two quick reminders about two of my pals and how they are helping you to experience more of those freedoms.

Wanna use teleseminars to get more clients and fill your programs? Check out Bill Baren’s teleclass today click here

Wanna create a CD, DVD, ebook or other info product to earn passive income? Check out Alison Mark’s new program starting this week click here

I’d love to hear from you. What are you most grateful for on this day? Leave me a comment below.  I’d love celebrate with you.

To your fantastic success,