🇺🇸Deep Thoughts on the Fourth of July and Family🗽

I’m currently sitting in the cool, air-conditioned library while the summer heat approaches 90 degrees outside!! Yikes!! Can you tell it’s going to be a HOT ONE, friends!! And just in time for the Fourth of July!

And speaking of the Fourth of July, I’ve got to be honest with you, friends. This year, for the very first time, I’m feeling extremely conflicted about this holiday. It’s a holiday that once brought me so much pride and joy, but with everything going on in the United States and the entire world, the idea of “celebrating” this year sort of feels, well, out of place. Maybe even a little disrespectful too?

So how do we celebrate things like freedom and democracy when it feels like the very fabric of the American spirit is quickly unraveling? I’m not sure, and this disconnect is something I’m continually struggling with.

Maybe we start to find an answer by surrounding ourselves with the people who make us better humans. You know, those people who inspire us to live better and love harder. Even when we feel like we can’t. Even when we feel like we’re sapped of all energy. Even when we’re feeling defeated and angry and hopeless about the state of the world. Especially when we’re feeling hopeless about the state of the world. If not then, when?

That’s exactly what I’ll be doing for the next week. I’ll be surrounding myself with the love and encouragement of my mom and my sister because through all this turmoil, I’ve learned just how important family is. So far in 2018, I’ve written about my wish for Ms. Bear, the value of simply listening, how to comfort someone who’s grieving, finite family photos and saying goodbye to Harry. Obviously, I write about family a lot, and it’s safe to say that I’d be utterly lost without mine.

This week, both my mom and I sat down and spent an afternoon donating to organizations that are working to help families separated at the border. At a time when I feel so helpless, this was something concrete that I could do, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. If you’re able, I hope you’ll consider donating as well. After all, families belong together. Now and always.

I’ll see you back here on July 9th! I’ve got some exciting blog posts planned for the rest of the summer — ummm, hello to our new cat! In the meantime, feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin! See you there, friends! xoxo