My friend just realized this year that he hates fireworks. 😬

My friend just realized this year that he hates fireworks. 😬

I was talking to him this past weekend, and I asked him what he did for July 4th.

He smiled and told me how he had gone to lots of different fireworks and parties over the years. “Because 4th July, you do fireworks, that's the deal.” And this year he realized he doesn’t really like fireworks. At all. 😮

So when several different friends invited him to come to fireworks, he said no. And he didn’t go. He stayed home. Had a quiet dinner. And that’s it.

(He lives in Brooklyn, so he couldn’t fully avoid fireworks. He peeked out the window for a moment to catch the fireworks from enthusiastic neighbors. 😉)

But he didn’t feel like he was missing out on anything. And he realized he had just been doing this fireworks thing for years because “everybody else did it”. Even though he’s really not into fireworks. So he’s not going to go anymore.

I loved this story about him figuring out how to celebrate the Fourth of July - or not celebrate it - the way that he wanted to.

And his story made me think about how many people I talk to who are striving for accolades or titles or climbing ladders because other people, “the world”, have told them these are important. That they have to get the promotion, make more money, etc.

But when those folks stop for a moment and think about what is actually most important to them, it might turn out they’re not so into the fireworks. They might want something quieter. Or want to be alone.

What’s your version of hating fireworks - something you worked for in the past that you realized is actually not something you want? Send me a note if you don’t want to share in the comments.

Image: Me enjoying fireworks from my roof last year. I was too busy oohing and ahhing to take photos this year. (and yes, I’m one of those people who thoroughly enjoys fireworks 🤩)