Summer Seizing

Summer is a fantastic time of year. There are many memorable activities: cookouts, beaches, boats, vacations, weddings, and getting together outside. With this summer a week-ish old and America’s formal celebration for the 4th of July ahead, I’m thinking about what I want from this summer. And what do you want from it?

Summer is relaxing, but it also is busy. Talk to the folks who have weddings every weekend or are planning big trips and the stress it causes. Summer is our time for doing things; this is our time for living.

But I want my summer to be enjoyable. And enjoyment for me is relaxing. I love riding on a boat with nothing to do, laying in the sun, part napping and part taking it in, or having easy conversations with good people.

That’s not to say I’m not doing anything. On the contrary, I’m working on my novel and business, driving across the U.S., and flying to California.

But I’m traveling because I want to spend time with good people. A long car ride is quality time together, and how often will I be able to cruise across the middle of the country with all it has to experience. And time off California’s coast with my family sounds like a perfect summer activity.

More than that, I want to be outside. I’ve shifted how I work, so I’m spending a couple of hours outside working along a river. It excites me to work and fills me with energy for what I’m doing.

Yes, there are projects I’m trying to accomplish this summer, but summer is for more than that. It’s a celebration of where we are and who we’re with.

I want to enjoy summer because I’ve worked hard for it. But, unfortunately, in seasonal regions like where I live, being outside is a luxury not possible all year.

So now isn’t the time to stress about how I have a good time. Instead, it’s time to experience the growth which has already come.