I’ve been thinking a lot about our civil liberties lately. Specifically, liberties pertaining to the First Amendment…because I don’t pretend to know everything, but I do know this much, you have to put yourself out there if you ever hope to get something back in return. Thank God we live in a world where not only is that possible; it’s also our basic constitutional right.

I am proud to be an American. I am proud to live in a country that celebrates diversity, appreciates art, recognizes talent, and offers endless opportunities. Proud to live in a country where you only have to want something badly enough and go after it with all your might in order to obtain it. Whatever that something is to you, In our country anything is possible.

I am proud to live in a country where I don’t have to hide my skin or walk 8 steps behind my husband. I’m proud to live in a country that helps other countries, where I can vote for who I want. Marry or not marry who I want. Live where I want. Choose to follow any religion that I want, or choose to follow no religion if that is what I want.

I’m proud to be surrounded by people who support me, respect me, and care about me. Proud that I don’t let everyone else affect me negatively. I’m proud to live my life the way I think I should be living it and not the way someone else is telling me I have to live it. I’m proud to be a good sister, friend, daughter, and helper of animals. Proud that I was raised to be someone who is honest, loyal, and committed to pursuing their passions, perfecting their art and their work. Proud that I’m not living my life pretending to be something I’m not or anything other than what I am. I’m proud to be a blogger who writes with humor and conviction, truth and realism, sadness and hope. I’m proud that I use my site to inspire, make people laugh, raise awareness, and do good when I can. I am proud to live in a country that lets me have a voice and to use that voice in a way that allows me to be true to myself. I am proud to live in a country that supports Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression, and Freedom of thought. I am going to sleep tonight feeling proud. I hope you do too.