Independence Day Is Great, But What About Being Independent?

Independence Day is Great, but is Independence Always What We Need?

The Fourth of July feels like the perfect holiday. It falls in the middle of the summer when people want to kick back, relax, and have some fun. Grills are firing up; fireworks are lighting up the sky; and most importantly, people are gathering.

While the holiday celebrates our Independence as a nation, being independent isn’t always the best for us. Connecting with our family, friends, and communities strengthens the foundations of our lives. As much as I would love more “me time,” I know that I could not get through the ups and downs of this world without my people. As I get older, I am reminded more and more that I am not alone and I don’t want to be alone. Life is meant to be shared and enjoyed.

I have several groups of friends, and the other day I was involved in a group text with my middle son’s “Sports’ Carpool Moms.” One of my friends was celebrating her anniversary and posted pictures of herself and her husband through the years on Facebook. In one of them, she was wearing an outfit that was so similar to one I wore back in the mid 1990’s. I sent the picture of me dressed almost the same to our group chat. We all took a trip down memory lane, sharing photos of us in our younger cool (and sometimes awkward) phases.

My mom, little sister, and I in Washington DC. Have to love my Halo of Hair in 1987!

As we joked about all of our out of date hair styles and clothes, we lamented that we hadn’t met sooner in life. We all wished we had had more time to make memories together. I know if we had been friends way back when, we would have been sharing stories over wine coolers instead of our present day ritual of Moms and Margaritas.

These women, and so many other people, have had and continue to have such a profound impact on my life. I give thanks every day for the cherished people who have been put upon my path. My journey wouldn’t be fulfilling without those that stand by me.

Please take some time this holiday week to reach out to those who stand with you through thick and thin, and let them know that you appreciate them. Enjoy your holiday!

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