I'm not one chant "USA! USA! USA!" wildy in a crowd. You'll very rarely find an American flag on my person. You see, I'm very proud to be American and do believe that I was extremely fortunate to have been born here, but I do not feel the need to shout it from the rooftop.
While my wardrobe isn't star spangled, my patriotism does come out during the Olympics. How could it not? These athletes have dedicated years of their lives to grueling training just to represent our country for two short weeks!
During the summmer olympics, I take an interest in sports that mean nothing to me on a regular day. Ask me the last time I watched a swim meet. It was 2012 (during the last olympic games). Gymnastic floor routines? Those really don't get the adrenaline going on a normal day. When I see my flag in the lead as Michael Phelps breaks records or Gabby Douglas makes history taking home gold in the individual all-around though, you can bet that gives me a thrill.
It's ironic that the Olympics take place during election years (especially during a race as polarizing as this year's). The country is always so divided, but for a short span of time we all shut up and unite. It's a brief moment, but I think it's beautiful.
I'm not naive enough to think it will last. I know we will go back to our party lines when it's all over, but during the olympics we're not thinking about whether you're with her or want to make America great again. We're all just proud Americans rooting for these amazing athletes to bring home the gold. It's kind magical, don't you think? It is to me at least.