I've spent this Independence Day, the 231st birthday of the United States of America, focusing my many thoughts and feelings of gratitude on the LIBERTY?the FREEDOMS...my family and I enjoy every day. For example, we are blessed with:
* the Freedom to come and go as we please; * the Freedom to speak our minds; * the Freedom to live where we choose; * the Freedom to vote; * the Freedom to worship; and * the Freedom to choose SO many things in life -- spouse, friends, hobbies, passions, causes, satellite or cable, white or wheat, organic or not, democrat or republican'or not.
Although we may sometimes take some of these Freedoms for granted, it is not because they are unimportant or unappreciated. It is simply because we have known no other way. We have always lived in the glorious ?land of the free and the home of the brave.? (The Star-Spangled Banner, Francis Scott Key, 1814). We have always been blessed with Freedoms and Freedom of Choice.
A little more than 4? years ago I exercised my Freedom of Choice and freely chose to walk away from a six-figure income in Corporate America to embrace the many Freedoms that entrepreneurship and a home-based business (more specifically, network marketing) offered. I was intrigued by the possibility of FINANCIAL FREEDOM and TIME FREEDOM. Other ?Freedoms? that caught my attention included:
* the Freedom to choose a company and products that align with my vision, passion and purpose to serve others; * the Freedom to immerse myself in personal and professional development (training and development always seemed to fall off the list of budget priorities in Corporate America); * the Freedom to be in business for myself but not by myself; * the Freedom to set my own office hours and work schedule; * the Freedom to establish my own dress code; * the Freedom to go as fast or as slow as I desire to go; * the Freedom to share my personal experiences (with my products or services, of course) with my co-workers and prospective business partners; and * the Freedom to leverage the efforts of others?many others.
For me, one of the most enticing was the Freedom to set my own work schedule. Unlike succumbing to the scheduling whims of Corporate America, it is refreshing to say, ?No. Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. is not a good time for me. I am available Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. or Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Which do you prefer??
It is both empowering and rewarding to have the Freedom to schedule business calls and appointments in between school field trips and events; dance, painting and golf lessons; time at the pool; family movie night and other miscellaneous family activities. This is but a taste of the TIME FREEDOM that a home-based business has to offer.
Complete Time Freedom is realized when FINANCIAL FREEDOM is also achieved. Although there are many philosophies and strategies for attaining Financial Freedom, it may be accomplished by maximizing leverage in a home-based business through consistent and persistent, committed actions. Achieve Financial Freedom and you will enjoy Time Freedom in its splendor. This is INDEPENDENCE.
Thus, in reflecting on Freedom and its many meanings and representations on this 4th of July, I gratefully acknowledge, embrace, celebrate and cherish the opportunity to experience to the fullest what our forefathers so boldly declared were our ?unalienable Rights?Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.?
Panama and its foreign relations concern itself with two major issues for Panama's development?the Panama Canal and international trade and shipping. Since Panama is located at the isthmus of Central America, it has good reason to be involved in most foreign counterparts. The number one foreign concern of Panama is focused on the Panama Canal. The history of the Canal, which the United States had influence over, and its current function has great impact on Panama's economic and political policy. The major concern of Panama is to take over its sovereignty of the Canal which has various historical treaties. As Panama wants to gain sovereignty over the Canal, which is the major source of its trade and economy, it sought support from other nations to renegotiate treaties. At the same time it understands its limit against the United States who has influence over the building of the canal.
Secondary to the concern with the Canal, Panama focused on foreign policy with regards to international trade, banking, and shipping. Because most international ships passing through Central America cross over the Panama Canal, Panama gains economic advantages over this activity. Banking and commerce are also one of the major economic activities of Panama and its foreign relations. Because of the influence of foreign relations to its economic activities, Panama's policy has concerns on these economic influences.
Aside from the concerns on the Panama Canal and the international economic influence, Panama and its foreign relations is so much involved in foreign memberships by its participation in foreign organizations that greatly contribute its economic development and sustainability. Since January 1, 2007, Panama served in the UN Security Council of the UN General Assembly as one who has been elected on the seat. It is also an active member of the international financial institution such as Inter- America Development Bank, World Bank and International Monetary Bank. Moreover, it is also a member of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. Aside from the tuna industry, Panama and its foreign relations has something to do with organizations for exporting. Panama is also involved in the Union of Banana Exporting Countries in which it is one of the founding members.
Panama and its foreign relations have contributed to its development not only in the development of certain industries but also in general development of the country as part of America. It is a member of the Central American Parliament or popularly known as PARLACEN, and the Central America Integrations System or SICA. To further promote economic development of the country, Panama and its foreign relations in America established the Alliance for Sustainable Development together with other six of its neighbors in Central America. The objective of Panama and its foreign relations and this alliance known as Conjunta Centroamerica?USA (CONCAUSA) is for purposes of providing domestic and foreign policies that support promotion on sustainable development for economy of the participating countries. Finally, Panama and its foreign relations are also involved in the International Criminal Court in which Panama is a member as well. The said foreign organization is a Bilateral Immunity Agreement of its members for the protection of the US military.
Both Maria Smalley & Laurie Cooper are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Maria Smalley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Entrepreneurship, Empowerment. Businesswoman, Friend, Collaborator, and Team player, Maria Smalley fulfills her Entrepreneurial Calling by offering a great service that enriches the lives of others. Together with other fellow BraveHeart Community members, her goal is to empower Women t. Maria Smalley's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
Laurie Cooper has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Travel and Leisure and Finances. Laurie Cooper, of Cpanama Real Estate Corp., is an expert on . For more information, please visit. Laurie Cooper's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.