Independence Day

July fourth is marked on American calendars as Independence Day. Many people choose to celebrate the Fourth of July as our nation’s birthday, the day the Second Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Fireworks and parades as well as picnics or barbecues are often part of this celebration.

Of course, not everyone enjoys fireworks with their explosions and smoke, or parades with their jostling crowds. And not everyone feels moved to celebrate the USA, especially when you may not agree with the directions the country seems to be headed.

Instead of a traditional Fourth of July celebration, you might choose to celebrate your own journey of independence. We all started as infants, completely dependent on others for our survival. Even if you are not where you’d like to be, you’ve got to admit you’ve come a long way. Most people on this journey take baby steps forward and backward along the path. Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve taken a backward step, or feel stuck on a plateau. Be patient, knowing that situations will change.

Especially during troubled times, we all might need to turn to those we trust, and lean on them when our own strength is at a low point. It’s okay if that’s where you are right now. It’s not where you’ll always be.

There will also be times when others need to lean on your strength in their times of need.

That’s how community works, whether it’s the family you were born into, the neighborhood you live in, or your chosen family and friends, a community of like-minded souls you may have found on the internet. Within any community, people have times of needing to take a step back for self-care and healing, and times of stepping up to care for others who need us. That’s okay.

Celebrate Your Independence.

So, how will you celebrate yourself and your independence this Fourth of July?

Summer time is great for enjoying fruits, corn on the cob, and barbecuing outdoors. You don’t have to be a patriotic American to celebrate with seasonal foods, and it doesn’t have to be on the fourth, when the parks and beaches are crowded. You can choose any day of the summer to celebrate summertime foods, nature, and sunshine.

If you love the beauty of the bright, colorful lights in fireworks displays, but hate the noise, smoke, and crowds, you could find a fireworks show on television or the internet to watch.

If you love nature, you might explore our awesome National Parks online. If you check out the National Parks website or follow them on Facebook, you’ll find lots of information. Even if you can’t go there in person, you can find videos online of National Park tours. Enjoy them from the comfort and safety of your own room.

If your neighbors set off fireworks near you, engage in pre-emptive self-care. Have comfort foods prepared in advance in case the stress of the explosions leaves you unable to cook. Listen to relaxing music on headphones while sheltering in bed or under an afghan surrounded with pillows. Cuddle your pets, if you have them. They are probably more anxious thank you during fireworks explosions, because they don’t understand the reason, or that it will end. In a few days.

Taking care of yourself in these ways is a great demonstration of your independence.

Wherever you are on your road to independence, you are welcome here at The SWAN Church. You belong, just as you are, no mask required.