Happy 4th of July!

As we celebrate this Independence Day, I’ve been reflecting on one of the cornerstones of our freedom: the right to free speech. It’s more than just a line in the Constitution—it’s the heartbeat of what makes our country vibrant, messy, and alive. And today, I want to talk about why the toughest part of free speech—people you don’t like saying things you don’t like—is actually its most vital piece, and why using that freedom to share your own truth is so powerful.

The 4th of July isn’t just about fireworks and flags. It’s about the audacious idea that we’re free to think, speak, and disagree without fear. That includes the stuff that makes us cringe—opinions that clash with ours, voices that grate, ideas we’d rather scroll past. Free speech isn’t just for the people we vibe with; it’s for the ones who challenge us, even when it’s uncomfortable. Because when we protect their right to speak, we’re protecting our own. It’s the bedrock of a society where ideas can duke it out, evolve, and push us forward.

But here’s the flip side: free speech isn’t just about letting others talk—it’s about having the guts to use it yourself. Sharing what you think and believe, especially when it’s not the popular take, is where the real power lies. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, posting a bold idea on your blog, or standing firm in a tough conversation, using your voice is how you shape the world around you. It’s not about being loud or right—it’s about being real.

This hits close to home for me. Building my blog and working with five strategic companies for content and marketing has been about more than business—it’s been about sharing my truth. From my leap into full-time entrepreneurship to my recent StoryBrand certification in Nashville, I’ve used this newsletter to open up about my wins, doubts, and even questions (like last week’s debate about sharing too much personal stuff). That’s my free speech in action—not just saying what’s safe, but what’s true to me. And every time you reply with your thoughts, you’re doing the same. That’s the beauty of it: we all get a say.

The 4th reminds us that freedom of speech is a gift and a responsibility. It’s not always easy to hear voices we disagree with, but it’s essential. And it’s just as crucial to use our own voice, even when it feels risky. Like the relationships we talked about last week, free speech thrives when we show up, engage, and keep the conversation going.

Here’s my challenge for you this week: celebrate the 4th by using your voice. Share one thing you believe—maybe in a conversation, a post, or even a reply to this email. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering; it just has to be yours. Then, think about someone whose opinion you don’t like and remind yourself: their right to speak protects yours, too. I’d love to hear what you share or how this lands—hit reply and let me know!

Here’s to the 4th of July, to the messy, beautiful freedom of speech, and to the courage to say what matters. Let’s keep speaking, listening, and building a future worth celebrating.

With gratitude,

Justin

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PS - I have a weekly update that I will include on my dreams below, this is something I have been doing personally for more than 2 years now, and it is my guiding light for how I make decisions and decide what I want to be doing and chasing.

If you ever want to became part of what I am creating, you can sign up at www.justindcstephens.com for the Employee Empowerment Initiative.

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Justin Stephens

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