Proud to be an American
It was the fourth of July and I was at my uncle’s secluded cabin by a small river in Virginia. The most peaceful place to go to, with no neighbors in sight. My family and I were eating hot dogs and hamburgers at a picnic table, laughing, and having a good time. My cousins and I spent hours upon hours swimming in the river, skipping rocks, and kayaking. It was a healthy bonding experience. After swimming, it was time to target shoot and learn how to use guns safely. I practiced the sport of shooting alongside my family, and they cheered me on whenever I hit the center of the target (which was not often). After a great day, it was time to leave the river, go home, and rest before church the next morning. That is one of the best core memories I have, and the United States of America is the only place I could experience a day like that.
People love to be pessimistic and complain about the U.S., but I want to take the time to celebrate all the good this country has given me on its 248th birthday. My July 4th celebration at the river is the perfect example of a good ole American day; with the freedom to swim in the river, to experience the beautiful green plants and rolling hills of Virginia, bond with family while target shooting, eat healthy lean beef burgers, and to openly attend church on Sunday mornings. Many countries don’t have the freedom to do any of those things, so that’s why it’s so important to appreciate the good that this country has!
I’m grateful to live in a country that values freedom and that has access to a lot of healthcare. In North Carolina alone, we have major colleges and hospitals like Duke and UNC that do research and save millions of lives. My dad works at UNC hospital as a researcher for transplants, and he has helped to save many people over the years. My brother had brain surgery at Duke hospital with top doctors who were able to save him. Over a million people travel to the U.S. each year for medical care. Despite our incredible doctors, it is widely known that a lot of Americans have terrible diets that cause major health issues. But we have the freedom to choose how we eat and how we live, which 50Cups is passionate about.
The U.S. loves to be free, but freedom must start from within. I love to practice freedom from within by hiking our beautiful National Parks in the U.S., my favorites being Olympic National Park in Washington and Acadia in Maine. Our country is huge, meaning there are plenty of beautiful sights to travel to and hike at. I am incredibly grateful to experience the beautiful views. I also choose to eat healthy. Some popular American health foods that I love are avocado toast, local farm fresh eggs, homemade smoothie bowls, and vegetables from my backyard garden. Alongside my healthy meals, I love to drink healthy teas from 50Cups. Personally, I love drinking the destress tea. The destress tea helps me to naturally regulate the anxiety and cortisol in my body, helping me to feel free from within.
One of the best ways you can celebrate Independence Day is to live out your freedom in mind, spirit, and body. Go on a hike in the beautiful American landscapes, eat a healthy meal, enjoy time with family, be grateful for your freedom, and sip on your favorite teas from 50cupstea.com. Embark on a journey to inward freedom and independence through healthy living. Together, let’s be grateful for the place we call home, and make the most out of our freedom. Happy Independence Day, and united we sip!