My family and I gathered in Fredericksburg, Virginia this weekend to celebrate the 4th – small town, away from the city, lots of sun, boating, swimming and plenty of fireworks. As we watch the night sky shimmer with bursts of packaged sunshine while listening to the national anthem, I surveyed the spectators. Lots of USA t-shirts, bandanas and small flags (the flags were made in China, but thats a different blog for a diferent time) were proudly displyed.

I wondered if the holiday we celebrate should mean more than just a celebration of our forefathers successful succession from the Red Coats. In my humble opinion yes it should.

How about we make it just a tad bit personal and also celebrate each of our independence from something that has weighed us down from reaching our full potential – an addiction, a relationship, a job, etc. If you want to celebrate a free country, that’s great, but how about lighting one sparkler for yourself.

• Tweet