The Other Red White and Blue

It took leaving the U.S. for me to make the most traditional 4th of July weekend plans in recent history.

True, while those of you on the other side of the Atlantic have been gallivanting around the American countryside today, heading to the beach, or to friends’ houses or home for the holiday, I have been sitting at work, staring woefully at my computer screen. Yet this weekend, when you are partaking in all of the activites I most closely associate with the 4th, I will, oddly enough, be doing many of the same things.

I’m not sure how it happened—it certainly wasn’t by design. Little by little, a full weekend evolved that had all of the ingredients of the typical American Independence Day celebration: fireworks, barbeques, boat trips, fried food, and country music. Most are just coincidences, but far be it for me to not capitalize on this patriotic twist of fate; I’ll happily chalk it up to the universe giving me resounding permission to drink a few for the Red, White and Blue.

So in the spirit of celebrating our country (as I sit here staring out at the beautiful weather, on a Friday afternoon, generally thinking it's a good thing to be alive and free), I'll share a little perspective I have gained on the ol' Stars and Stripes since being abroad.

Despite the many negative connotations of Americans (which Brits and Europeans are not shy to express), there is an unequivocal noble trait that even the U.S.’s biggest detractors can't deny: We are a distinctly optimistic people. Sure, sometimes idealistically so, but the prevailing, steadfast and passionate belief in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is at best inspiring, at worst begrudgingly respected across borders.

Even surrounded by the caustic wit and worldliness of my fellow London dwellers, I’m eternally grateful that some of that apple-pie positivity has been permanently etched into my view on the world…and I plan to preserve it (no fruit pun intended) wherever life takes me from here.

So while I’m taking part in many of the same activities as my fellow Americans this 4th of July weekend, I will be thinking of all of you and celebrating our right to be shiny, happy (if occasionally morbidly obese) people. Happy Independence Day to everyone. Without it, we’d still all be Brits.