Every once in a while, we get a glimpse of our dream life from someone else’s reality, an old flame or someone we left in the past dances into our present and makes us think of the what ifs and could have been(s) of our life. The paths we didn’t take that make us wonder what if we had done things differently.
When I was little I used to imagine endless possibilities of things I could be: a ballerina, a doctor, an artist, a busy woman that carried a briefcase running from one important thing to the next, and the glamorous wonder of being a princess. It was a real make-believe agenda that was brought to life because I believed.In our adult lives the idea doesn’t seem so simple. Have you ever thought about re-inventing yourself? Maybe you have. Although we are not as predictable as seasons, I’d argue people are more or less habitual; but we are not exempt from change. In the wake of new circumstances and opportunities I still believe we have a chance to become new again. For Mother Nature, spring and fall act as her most notable transitional seasons. Colors and growth slowly start to shift into a new form. For us, I’d say our transition time is most plainly distinguished during summer. Other than the notable tans (and burns if you’re of Irish complexion,) during summer we take whatever time we have for ourselves. It may seem like time stands still during the hottest days of the year but, in this time, it wouldn’t surprise me if ever so suddenly during summer we transition into our new normal.
Summertime is full of family, friends, fun in the sun, adventures, trips, the 4th of July, and of course there will always be the summer love of Sandy and Danny and all those who follow suit. For most of us working adults it is also the time for pining after the good old summer days: summer break, summer school, summer internships, and vacations to new and exciting places, reunions with familiar faces, weddings, camp, and good old outdoor / water activities.
Even if summer isn’t the reason behind a getaways, mental health days and a change of pace or habit I still promote these plans! These are wildly important to me. I’m a big believer of being centered and living whole heartedly. Yes, I am one of those people that makes New Year’s Resolution - in July around my birthday. It’s almost like a hopeful promise to myself, usually written somewhere like a binding contract between me, myself, and I to hold myself accountable. What about all of you wishing things would change but they aren’t? I have been there and to you I’d say, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry things aren’t going the way you’d hope; you’re not alone in feeling this way.” I’d stress to you don’t wait. Don’t wait for things to turn around, focus on the things you can make better and use your time now to make them better. While undoing the messes in our lives is unpleasant to say the least, chin up, we can empower ourselves and others….even if it means rewarding yourself with a treat once in a while.
Whether we’re talking summer daze, summer adventures or summer projects slow down and take it in. You’ll be happy you do. Sometimes it’s essential! I find it’s easier to be tenacious and go for opportunities when you have taken the time to regroup, evaluate, and spice up your life. (90’s fan girl shout out to the Spice Girls because that reminds me of you.) If we decide we are done changing, I hope it is because we are firmly planted in the most content, authentic version of ourselves; knowing the world will take over whether we like it or not. Time waits for no one. When we accept change, hesitantly or willingly, we are breaking the mold of the past and forging ahead into the unknown. It is the little things that excite me honestly: haircuts (or for me when my curls hold), new recipes, and back roads that make things worthwhile. Major life events can be thrilling, draining or both! They teach us to be present now and down the line. Savor our memories but build on those joys and lessons for now. Life is your canvas and you’re allowed to add color or whip the slate clean and paint all over again. Summer or no summer.
