Happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. There’s something about this time of year that feels a little more special for me—it’s right around my birthday, which means every year, the whole week has this sense of excitement and celebration. It’s like summer itself is throwing a party, and I get to be right in the middle of it.

Growing up, the 4th was about more than just fireworks and cookouts. Some of my best childhood memories are tied to this weekend, spending long summer days with my mom. We’d do all the classic things: being outside, running around and playing games, and watching the night sky light up with color from the fireworks in town. Even now, those memories feel close, and every year I find myself reflecting on them with a lot of gratitude.

For me, the 4th of July is as much about appreciation as it is about celebration. It’s a chance to pause and take stock of the good things in my life—my family, the friends I’ve made, and all the little moments that make up the bigger picture. The older I get, the more I realize how important it is to take that time. So while everyone else is watching fireworks, I’m often quietly grateful for where I am, the memories I have, and the chance to make a few more every year.