Why July 4th = Happiness
Every July 4th, we pack up our kids and the dog and visit my father-in-law for his birthday and for a big Independence Day celebration. I have been attending for the past 27 years I have known my wife and they have been having the party for another 20 years before that. My father-in-law Keith was born in England 88 years ago, but he insists that since his birthday is on the 4th of July, America is celebrating in his honor.
As I began looking forward to our celebrations on the 4th, I was pleasantly surprised to note all the opportunities for happiness provided by this special day.
- We get to see and catch up with our immediate family, our extended family, and our family friends. The opportunities to catch up, reconnect, and nurture these special relationships is a wonderful source of joy and fun.
- We all bring gifts for Keith’s birthday and even though giving makes us happy, being creative and finding that one gift he will appreciate is especially rewarding.
- We get to enjoy the weather, great food and spirits, and of course the fireworks.
- It is a time to reflect and appreciate that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We are part of a family and a great nation.
- Gratitude builds happiness and there are so many things to be grateful for on July the 4th.
- I am grateful to have 3 days off of work and to get to choose what I want to do each day.
- I am grateful for my friends and family
- I am grateful to feel safe as a drive to another city without roadblocks and without the fear of roadside bombs along the highway.
But most of all, I am grateful to live in a great nation where freedom is so highly valued that people are willing to risk their lives to ensure that others are free; a country where we have the choices and opportunities to build better futures and of course a country where the opportunity for the “Pursuit of Happiness” is virtually unlimited.
Happy 4th of July and God Bless all those who made this day possible.