When I lived in New England, I used to watch July 4th fireworks from my balcony. I still do, only now the fireworks are out over the ocean.

I’m the first one in my family to be born in the United States.  My parents immigrated the year before my birth. They pursued their dream of living in “the land of the free and the home of the brave”; a country associated with opportunity for one and all.

(Click on the photo.)
The flag at East Atlantic Avenue and A1A during the Delray Beach 4th of July celebration.

Until I myself moved, I never quite understood how a person could leave their home and start new in a completely foreign land. Now I get it. It takes courage and faith and a love for our dreams.

Is it easy? Not entirely. Sure, some of it flows effortlessly, but it is work. It’s a good work. A fulfilling, soul enriching work.  And it’s the one path that will consistently produce positive results in the building of a person’s character regardless of who stands as witness.

This month marks my one year anniversary of moving to South Florida. And my parent’s 54th anniversary of moving to the United States. 

Sailboats and beach umbrellas on Delray Beach during the July 4th celebration.

This year, for me, the July 4th celebration was out at the ocean.
Well, everyday for me is a celebration out at the ocean.
Living a dream is a matter of being grateful, being present in the moment, and rejecting anything but positive and enthusiastic people.

My invitation to you today is to look at your life, your present circumstances, your dreams, and celebrate it all because it’s through that positive and grateful acknowledgement that good fortune finds us. May you keep the spirit of July 4th and all that it means in your heart and consciousness throughout the year.

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Copyright: Diana Taylor, Pug At The Beach
Photo credit: Diana Taylor the big flag at Delray Beach’s July 4th celebration, boats and umbrellas at Delray Beach, Florida

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