Happy Fourth of July, my fellow Americans! We all think it's about that summer barbecue, beach day, pool day, family party, time for fireworks. Wearing red, white and blue. Corn on the cob. Hot dogs. Hamburgers. Watermelon. Ice cold drinks and ice cream. However, July Fourth is much more than that. It is a day of remembrance. A day of reflection. A day of thanks. Granted, it's awesome to celebrate with family and friends, but let’s not forget that we are celebrating independence as a nation and a nation that is great!

In a world with hate, we need to spread love. We need to spread self-love to all. We need to show people that we are willing to help. Willing to be that shoulder to cry on. That we are accepting of you whether you are white, African American, young, old, straight, gay, transgender, rich, or poor — that we as Americans are here to support you. Even if someone is not your BFF, they may be someone you can rely on. Whether it's a neighbor, co-worker, teacher, boyfriend, girlfriend, or parent, we all hold various roles in this society we live in. There are things we do every single day that impact people across the globe. We have a society that is so technology-driven. Yet, I feel that we could use it in much better ways. What about spreading love instead of hate? What about educating the less fortunate in better ways? What about helping those who are homeless rehabilitate and find a place to make a life for themselves? What about helping the unemployed getting back into the workforce? What about choosing to go back to school for a degree in the career path you’ve always dreamed of? What about traveling the globe or country one state at a time? Maybe we can go for lunch with our best friend or mom. Maybe it’s possible that we go to Disney World and snap a picture in front of Cinderella's Castle.

Does anyone realize what all of those activities require? Freedom. Freedom is not always something we have had as a country. Not everyone across the globe has the freedom to say what they choose to their significant other, on their Facebook post or say how they feel about a political candidate. Not everyone can attain an education if they so choose. Not everyone can say they feel safe in their home. Not everyone can even say they have a home. Not everyone has the pride that America does. American is blessed to be the country that it is. We need to reflect and realize that in this big world, we are only a dot on this Earth. We need to step back and not nitpick for very problem in our life, like if your phone broke or if we broke up with our significant other. We need to look deeper within ourselves and see what we can do to make freedom and brotherly love something that all in the world can learn and obtain in their lifetime. This is not all possible by one person doing this. We all need to come together as a country and vow to spread the power of freedom, prosperity and happiness through love in our hearts, not hate. Happy Independence Day, fellow Americans, and don’t forget to be safe!