We all know that America needs to become energy independent.  However, there isn’t a clear vision for achieving that goal, and no real clear cut plan either.  Here are ten steps we could make toward achieving energy freedom.

1.  There are 10 foreign government run oil companies that are much larger and have greater oil reserves than our Exxon Mobil. So, we need to quit blaming “big oil” here at home.  Even if they did make a record profit of $12 billion in less than 90 days.

2.  Congress and lawmakers should address or own domestic supply and production problems. If they increased our supply from our own sources and reserves, it could have an impact on the price we pay at the pump.

3.  We can make a difference by turning off lights at home, when not in use.  We can also save gas instead of time by slowing down our driving speed.  We can also save energy by keeping our thermostats set at 68 in the winter and 75 in the summer.

4.  Remember when grandma use to hang clothes out on the line and how nice and fresh they smelled? Or how about installing rain barrels to water the lawn instead of pumping water from the well.  If you aren’t on a well system, you can conserve water by using drip or soaker hoses.

5.  There must be a determination in this country to develop alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal technology.  There is is no room for the NIMBY (not in my backyard) attitude.  This only slows progress that needs to happen.

6.  We need to build and reopen nuclear plants.  France gets 77% of its energy from nuclear sources.  We need to follow what they have learned in regard to safe usage of nuclear power and the recycling of nuclear waste.

7.  We should increase hydroelectric power in states where it is plentiful.  There should also be an environmental push to increase the survival rate of young salmon migrating to the Pacific regions

8.  If we develop and deploy our environmental cleanup strategies to developing economic powers such as China India and others, they could generate electricity from their abundant coal reserves.  This would drastically reduce air and water pollution in those countries, and make their people healthier.  Taking this step would also provide new markets for our American companies and create new jobs.

9  We need to produce more of our own oil and natural gas, while other technology and alternatives are being developed.  There is enough domestic natural gas offshore to supply the United States for the next 10 years easily.  The production technology is much safer than it was 30 plus years ago.  There are 109 offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico that were directly hit during Hurricane Katrina without causing a significant spill.

10.  It will take patience and common since, as well as time and money to transform new technology and find new sources of energy.  The solutions won’t happen overnight, however, we need a dedicated government to get behind these issues and make sure these changes happen in a timely fashion.

It’s true – you can have, do and be anything you want in life.  But, we’ve been conditioned to think otherwise. So, how do we get it?

First of all, you need to know what you want and really get in touch with it.  Set aside some quiet time to meditate and take an inward journey.  Like the Bible says get to “know thyself.” It is a learning process to train your mind to get in the proper mindset, visions and positivities to create the life you want.  You need to know how to CREATE desired results.

The next step is to just “BE”.  To “BE” is simply the self-image that you hold of yourself in the corners of your mind.  You’ll know you have achieved your state of being, when it is no longer a question.  You ARE whatever you’ve set out to become.  Real change happens from the inside out.  The Law of Attraction, teaches us that like attracts like. Whatever your thoughts are, you attract those thoughts to your life. So, there is no room in your thoughts for negativity.  You must erase your “stinkin’ thinkin’” ( the stuff you were raised with that tells you that you can’t have what you truly want).  Replace it with your new self-image of what and who you are.  The hard part is, you must ACCEPT yourself in your new role.  It is a choice and a decision, but just do it.  You’ll be glad you did.

The next step is to THINK.  Is your life all that you want it to be?  If it is not, it is because of your thoughts.  Your thoughts control your life.  They are responsible for both the good and bad things that happen to you.  Don’t allow yourself to be a victim of your past. Don’t allow thoughts of lack, scarcity, or negativity to enter your mind.   Instead, take charge of your life, by taking control of your thoughts.  Create the life of your dreams.  Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow doesn’t exist yet- so, NOW is your point of EMPOWERMENT.

Watch what you say.  You know the old saying, “If you don’t have anything good or kind to say, say nothing at all.”  So, speak only good, kind, prosperous, and positive words in all situations.

Then play name it and claim it.  Act as if and truly BELIEVE you are already living your perfect life as you visualized and designed it.  Surround yourself with people you admire and look up to.  This process does take time and commitment to yourself.  Always tell yourself that you are worth whatever it takes.  Be consciously aware of the steps to creating change, and live everyday in the NOW.