With the election just around the corner and media coverage proclaiming the newest tragedy every few days, life can seem pretty bleak. Everyone is pointing a finger somewhere and someone is always wrong. That being said, this weekend is the Fourth of July, when we celebrate our freedom and our country. Instead of pointing fingers at that nasty relative over the potato salad, keep the conversation light and inviting with these reasons to smile, because we're living free in America.

1. Fireworks

Bursts of light, imprints of smoke, the faint smell of gunpowder that fades away into the night. Something about the anticipation right before the grand finale of the show makes my chest swell with excitement and pride. It's hard to disagree with pretty colors and flashing shapes. Cross your fingers that the last burst you see will be your favorite kind.

2. Highways

Cross country road trips with the music turned up, windows down and sunglasses on exudes the essence of freedom. The highway stretching before you with slowly evolving scenery out the windows is one of the most exhilarating expressions of independence this country has to offer. Crossing county lines and state lines alike, nearing your destination will bring on adventure and resolution simultaneously, as you leave behind the winding road and face new horizons.

3. Parks

Both fishing at the local recreation area or traversing across NYC's High Line park gives a similar taste of freedom in America. Sacred community green space in any environment has a tendency to bring people together and comparing trout works just as well as admiring modern art set against a city skyline.

4. Baseball

Maybe its the small town girl in me, but the crack of the bat and the whine of the organ bring out my love for this country. Baseball unifies a crowd not necessarily by team, but by the game. At the end of the night, win or lose, everyone is happy that the game was played.

5. Bowling Alleys

The awkward shoes that everyone has worn before you combined with the low rumble of the ball down the lane has a retro vibe that is unparalleled. The smooth weight of the ball in your hand and the suspense in the seconds before its collision with the pins. Old music and disco lights ice the metaphorical cake that is an old ritual of mismatched friend groups everywhere.

6. State Fairs

From deep fried everything on a stick, to dusty bleachers lining the rodeo ring, to rickety old Ferris wheels you don't know if you can trust. State fairs may not be the first place to pick to spend your day, but once you've gotten there it's easy to sink into the atmosphere and enjoy the mild discomfort of the sun, lack of personal space and overall camaraderie.

7. Small Coffee Shops

Alluring deep scents of espresso and amaretto mixed with the soft subtle indie music in the background creates the perfect balance of being alone in a crowd. Taking your time to divulge into just the right drink that gives you the caffeinated mental pick me up you wanted, and it feels luxurious.

Sometimes freedom tastes like watermelon by the pool, and sometimes it tastes like warm apple cider next to a campfire. Freedom comes in all textures, colors, scents and origins, but here is where it lies. This weekend is how we celebrate the freedom that we have created for ourselves, and everything that goes along with it. Frankly, I wouldn't have it any other way.