Happy Independence!

Happy 4th!

Today marks a month of my being in Scotland, but I haven't forgotten that it's that time of year again - the day that Americans all over celebrate their Independence. Truth be told, over the years this day has come to mean less of a celebration of patriotism for me and more of a day to connect and celebrate with the people in my life. Don't get me wrong. My hand still reflexively moves to cover my heart every time I hear the pledge of allegiance, and my eyes well up for most renditions of the Star Spangled Banner -- but the fact is that when I think of the 4th of July, I think of picnics and barbecues, friends and family, fireworks and fun. 

Red, white and blue for last year's celebration.

Since I'm far away from home this year, I resigned myself to having a 4th of July without the parties and fireworks (though I really would have done anything for the latter). It was just another day here, like most other days. I did, however, spend a good part of the afternoon contemplating the idea of independence and what it means to me. There are the practical freedoms that I've been able to enjoy while I've been abroad -like not having to worry about texts and phone calls, and all the social obligations that somehow manage to overlap despite best intentions. I'm even surprised at how little I miss driving, happy to take the bus an hour and a half to get into the city. There's the independence of having my own schedule here, exploring new places, stepping outside my ordinary ways and doing new things.

And then there is the personal independence that each of us has -in our choices, our values, our beliefs -and the fact that we often give so much of it away in our day to day lives. This concept of independence is an ongoing journey for me, as I grow towards thinking and doing without so much influence of others. I often find myself overly concerned about what others think, but the older I get, the more trust I have in myself. That, to me, is true independence.

So all in all I have no regrets being away from home on this day. Oh, and those fireworks I was dreaming about? A couple of days ago I came home to find a note through my mail slot. It read: "Dear neighbour -This Friday 5th July...we will be setting off fireworks...Please feel free to enjoy the aerial display. Happy 4th of July!" Apparently, I'm not the only American in this little Scottish town!

 Fireworks!