It’s hard to say what thoughts and feelings cause goosebumps, chills or tingles.

But scientists recognize this phenomena and explain that it happens when the brain responds to intense moments by releasing dopamine and adrenaline — neurotransmitters associated with feel-good excitement.

From first kisses to near misses, the spontaneity around this physical response makes it a true indicator of what’s going on within us and why.

So it was for me on Wednesday when the first stock truck rolled onto the Jo Daviess County Fairgrounds in Warren, Ill., and parked — the bucking bulls inside the long trailer already banging horns and hooves against the metal walls.

The rowdy noises fell outside of the stereotypical goosebump-causing experiences — from holding a newborn baby to regaining control of a vehicle sliding on black ice.

Still, my goosebumps confirmed that — ready or not — our family’s first Fourth of July Fields of Gold Pro Rodeo managed by my sister and my niece had begun.

In a very weird way, my rodeo volunteering — from selling sponsorships to festooning the grandstands with red, white, and blue bunting to reconsidering this classic sporting event filled with both skill and chance — brought me closer to the gritty roots of our republic.

In both cases, we’ve set our intentions and continue to practice and practice some more to work out what a great ride looks like.

We celebrate our independence every year on the Fourth of July to remember the birth of our freedom — on July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence by the 13 colonies to cut ties with Great Britain.

That date feels like a won-and-done day.

But of course, declaring our independence differs from the next step — fighting for our freedoms.

That rollout still took so much tenacity and persistence, even after a strong start on paper — thanks to the eloquence of Thomas Jefferson — and through convenient symbolism.

Five days after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots toppled a lead statue of King George III in New York City and melted it to make musket balls for the Continental Army.

But George Washington would not be elected as our first U.S. president until 1789. And that happened six years after the so-called Evacuation Day — when then Gen. Washington returned to New York City in triumph to formally end British occupation by shipping out the Tories.

For me this year — after crisscrossing the county where I grew up to sell rodeo sponsorships, post rodeo flyers, and deliver VIP tickets — the rodeo itself ultimately helped me connect the dots between intentions, preparations and delivery in the great story of our nation.

This western sport reminds me of the will and the skill in exercising the freedom to tackle a difficult challenge — in sports, politics, business, education, family, etc.

In the rodeo arena, a bull rider intends to stay on that bucking bull for eight seconds. He may not win this fight, but he is free to try and try again.

As for the barrel racer, she and her hot horse compete together against the clock to round three barrels without tipping them and picking up a time penalty.

These athletes and the animals on which they compete show fans their spark to try — they reveal something of their preparation and intention.

American fans celebrate the Fourth of July in each gutsy performance.

If only we could “Go Fourth” throughout the year, that is to go forth from this inspiring holiday to continue tapping the essence of our American spirit, which begins with boldness. A boldness even a western actor, like the legendary John Wayne, appreciated when he didn’t have a stunt double: “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”

Pam Mellskog can be reached at p.mellskog@gmail.com or 303-746-0942. For more stories and photos, please visit timescall.com/tag/mommy-musings/.