3 Reasons I Love Being An American!

I was born and raised in India and therefore by birth I am an Indian Woman. I came to the US when I was 28 years old and although set in my ways (certain ways) I have always been a chameleon – very adaptable, eager and with a persistent love of learning about new cultures and concepts. Despite the newness of it all, moving to the United States of America has been one of those life changing events that has only been positive for me in every sense of the way. The 3 most important reasons I love being an American are:

1. Having Authentic Freedom of Speech

Although growing up I was told I was "free" to speak my mind, I really wasn't. There were a lot of conditions and I had to take a multitude of people's feelings, positions and hierarchy in the world into consideration. Hence I was ridden with blocks, confusion, withheld communication and deep dark secrets. America on the other hand has given me the listening that I needed in the world to be heard. America has given me the ears that I needed when I wanted to "speak the unspeakable". This country has helped me experience my healing and transformation in such a deep and authentic way by the sheer virtue of just being "America" that I don't think I could have evolved to be the woman, the leader, the role model and the mother to my three daughters, if I hadn't moved to this country 11 years ago.

2. Being in the Realm of Limitless Possibilities

Growing up I understood that you studied, went to college, started a career or got married and settled down - had kids, be a good wife etc etc. Never in a 100 years had I imagined that after a 12 year career as an actress in Bollywood, on stage and on TV as well as being in the holistic work teaching Reiki classes and transformational seminars that I would one day walk into a temp agency and show a young recruiter how well I could use Microsoft Word and Excel. I was new in the States and my husband and I were broke. I didn't know how to find work as an actress or healer in the DC area so I walked into a temp agency and got my first job in the US with Washington Mutual Home Loans making $15 an hour as a loan processor! In 6 months I created that I would be working in Sales and began assisting the Loan Officer and 6 months after that I was originating my own pipeline. 12 months since I was hired by the temp agency I was on track and making a double 6 figure income already! I felt a sense of unconditional acceptance and embrace. Since my career in finance I changed careers and went back to my holistic practice and that blossomed quickly too. And now I am a full time personal transformation and meditation mentor and consultant and am thriving because of the realm of limitless possibilities I have being in America.

3. More Than One Second Chance

My dad always said, "It's ok to make a mistake but don't make the same mistake twice"! In America I have made my share of mistakes. I went from owning a million dollar home to losing it and then starting over. I went from stellar credit rating to a miserable one. I went from living a life on purpose to living a life of survival and then going back to live my life to my fullest potential! Being an American I have had the privilege of having been given second chances in my finances, my marriage as well as in my career. I for one personally never believed much in second chances - however, without the opportunity my husband and I have been given, I wouldn't be able to make the difference I am making in my family and in the world to help empower and transform people, to help them recognize their own innate potential for limitless healing, compassion and forgiveness. Today, I am able to live my life to my fullest potential and realize my higher purpose because I am an American.

Sacred Affirmations for this moment...

I am in gratitude for the opportunities in my life

My life flows with ease and abundance

I live my life to my fullest potential

I am grateful for the gifts I receive!

Take a few moments to reflect on these questions and comment on the blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell us what you think? What were you present to when you read this article? I can't tell you how honored I am that you spent the time reading and sharing in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in this world, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!

Love,

Richa xoxox