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This Independence Day, Free Yourself from Trump

All we do is think about Trump, but what if we didn't for a day?
Image by author via Cheriss May/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Anyone who has to follow politics professionally or out of a deep-seated personal compulsion has had a tough year. Every day we have to check Donald Trump's Twitter and monitor his administration's muddled communications. We are subject to his whims, forced to pay him attention—which is especially galling considering how much he loves attention.

What inane thoughts did I busy my mind with before Trump? What gave me joy? (I used to like to paint, I think?) This fourth of July, I want to remember who I used to be, and I want you to as well. Under Trump, there's no shortage of breaking news and presidential tweets to keep you entertained and horrified 24/7. Which religious holiday will he ignore? Which country will he offend? But you deserve a day off from all the stress. You can worry about the healthcare bill later—it'll continue to be a mess, I promise.

Trump is going to monopolize our minds for years to come, and the legislation he'll sign into law will affect the country long beyond that. Donald Trump wants the world to revolve around him, and now it sort of does. But no matter how bad it gets, it's your mind, not his, and you owe it to yourself to take a day off. And what better day to do this than on one devoted to independence.

Reconnect with yourself. Find a new hobby. Deal with whatever emotional trauma your Trump obsession has allowed you to sweep under the rug. Call your mom. Make a new friend. Make love to your partner. If you're single, do single person stuff. Sunbathe, but don't forget sunscreen—don't let a sunburn fuck up your one Trump-free day. Read a novel. Barbecue meat. Watch the fireworks. Have some good old-fashioned American fun, and don't be too woke about it. Free yourself from Trump for a day because unfortunately, he'll still be here tomorrow.

Follow Eve Peyser on Twitter.