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I know many people out there are frustrated with politicians and the overall state of our country. Independence Day doesn't seem to mean much to the citizens of the United States as it did when I was growing up and the years before me. In certain parts of the country you can feel more pride than others, but overall I feel as though the people in my generation aren't necessarily proud to be Americans. I do, however, think that almost everyone I know is thankful to live in the United States and have so much freedom to make a life for themselves and generations to come. I'm especially thankful for three things this 4th of July...

1. A country that continues to fight for equality among gender and race. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a woman in a society that views me as less, tells me what I have to wear and tells me that I can't think for myself.

2. A country that gives me freedom of speech, so that I can write freely on my blog and I can read about anything. Taking time to imagine my voice censored and my creativity put into a box kills my heart.

3. A country that lets me worship my God out loud and publicly. There are people dying every day because of their belief in Christianity. Though I would be willing to die for my beliefs I'm thankful that I don't fear for my life as I worship.

What three things are you thankful for this Independence Day?

Photos by Gina Meola Styling by Alex Evjen Makeup & Hair by Sarah Hubbell and Jess Mangieri Modeling by Steve and Hannah Wright

I'm so glad we have a holiday the makes us reflect on all that we are thankful for. There is a lot of selfishness in the world, but this is a holiday that should be anything but that. Of course, this idea of giving thanks should happen every day. I really do try to live my life that way, but I'm so happy to get to spend all day celebrating with family and a feast. I know that holidays are a hard time for many because they are reminded of what they have lost, but if you are reading this that means you are alive. That means that you are here on this earth for now and for a reason. I really do believe that with all my heart. I want you to know that I am thankful for YOU. I'm thankful for you taking one minute out of your day to read my words. It is truly an encouragement to me. You matter, you matter to many.

So, if you find yourself a loss for what to say you are thankful for, I guess start with the air you are breathing and you heart that is beating.

Image from I Heart Nap Time