Happy Freedom Day!
Today is the day that citizens of the United States celebrate our independence from Great Britain. The holiday comes with a lot of fanfare, including parades, marching bands, and displaying our country’s colors (red, white, and blue). The July 4th holiday is a time when families and friends frequently gather to enjoy summer foods, recreation, and relaxation.
I’m all for the celebration aspect of the holiday. I’ll be helping others do that today, as I play patriotic tunes with my friends at the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble. But when the celebrations are done, I like to reflect on the concept of freedom, in general.
Do you feel free? Why or why not?
My own theory about how free each of us feels has to do with a combination of things, such as our personality, how much freedom we experienced growing up, and whether we’re currently in a life situation that we enjoy.1
I’ve been a freedom lover my entire life. Some might even say that I inordinately focus on the subject. Lately, however, I’m hearing more and more people complain with me about the lack of freedom in the United States. Many people are concerned that our U.S. government is on the verge of becoming a totalitarian society. Some folks are worried about their state governments, as well.
For some, this year’s July 4th holiday comes with not-so-positive emotions. Perhaps you are one of those who feel conflicted about the holiday. If you disagree with the direction the U.S. is headed or if you feel that our once-free nation is becoming less free, how can you feel comfortable celebrating a day that focuses on our nation and its freedoms?
Like most things in our lives, the state of our nation is not 100% good nor 100% bad. There is always something to be happy about and something to complain about. There is a time and place for complaining (perhaps), but there is also a time for finding joy and today is that time.
Today I plan to put aside my complaining and focus on the joy that I find in my country of origin. If I had a magic wand, there is plenty that I would change about the U.S. If I made a list of things that annoy me, it would be lengthy. But I am not going think about that list nor add even one item to it today.
Instead, I’m going to focus on what I enjoy about the U.S. I’m going to focus on the freedoms that I do have. I’m going to focus on celebrating my country, even with its faults and flaws. In short, I’m going to be positive today! :)
How might you celebrate this Fourth of July in a way that feels positive to you?
If you’re struggling to celebrate today, begin by thinking of ONE thing about the U.S. that you like. Bonus points if it relates to freedom! :)
There are many other ideas and I’m sure you can think of several besides mine:
Get out and celebrate with friends.
Treat yourself to your favorite summer food (Blue Bell ice cream, anyone?!?).
Go see a parade and/or enjoy a local band playing patriotic music.
There will be plenty of time for complaining tomorrow, if you feel the need. On this July 4th holiday, however, simply enjoy the freedom that you have and don’t worry about what’s missing. Focus on what’s positive about your current level of freedom and celebrate that.
Last year, I reflected on this idea in my post entitled “Freedom’s Role in Happiness.”