Remember the Gifts of Summertime

As I recall the gifts of summertime, I was reminded of a fitting quote by Sarah Dessen where she reminds us to remember when the summer days "were long, stretching into each other...out of school, everything was on pause and yet happening at the same time, this collection of weeks when anything was possible."

So with summer in mind, let's take a journey where we turn up the volume and imagine sinking our feet into the warm white sand and feeling the sunshine all around us!

Together, let's take a journey while we sink our feet into the warm white sand, turn up the volume and feel the sunshine all around us.

For full effect, please watch Michael Franti & Spearhead's video "The Sound of Sunshine" and stay to the end because it's guaranteed to bring you those awesome summer vibes!

​Remember when we waited all year long for summer? As youngsters, it was as if we could make each day stretch into more time to dream, play, explore, discover and be lazy without regret. 

I know that I could hardly wait for afternoons running to the Wham-O Slip N' Slide on the cool grass, the musical ice cream truck, the warmth of the sand between my toes, saltwater on my tender pink skin, sleepovers, camping trips and daily dives in our freshwater pool. 

Remember when you didn't want to fall asleep each night for fear you might miss something? When every day of summer was to be savored and not forgotten. As youngsters, we innately knew the benefits of play, relaxation, curiosity, joy and presence.

Now, my friends, we no longer have to wait for summer. It rushes ever so swiftly to us, inviting us to reawaken the child within through the gifts of presence, play and relaxation.  

Let this summer invite you to savor some slowness, make space for idle time and more of the things that bring you joy. Allow yourself to follow your curiosity and the endless possibilities for creativity! 

All too often, we let the daily distractions of life interfere and, in doing so, give up what it is we need the most – the time to reclaim our inner peace and well-being and to define outer expectations and responsibilities in the world on the one hand and balance our internal needs for space and personal expression on the other. 

I invite you to take a moment and lift your spirit to "The Sound of Sunshine" and to savor your favorite summer memories. Recall as far back in the past as you like and review what you were doing, who you were with and what brought you the most joy. 

Then I encourage you to remind your current self that anything is possible in this collection of weeks if only you are fully present for it.

Thank you for the reminder Sarah Dessen!