Finding My Rhythm This Summer

by Kelly

“In summer, the song sings itself.”  ~ William Carlos Williams

Before you say it, I know that technically speaking it’s not officially summer yet.  But here in my neck of the woods, I can tell that we’ve turned the corner so to speak.  The spring winds have died down and in their place the thick, humid summer haze has taken up residence.  I can see it my garden too… we’ve gone from daffodils to daylilies.

Summer is here.   And I absolutely love it.

Except for maybe the holidays, summer is probably the most nostalgic time of year for me.  Memories of camping and going to the lake with my family as a little girl.  Then spending time at the lake when my own daughter was little.  Long summer days that stretched well into dark.  Popsicles dripping down tanned arms.  Mason jars and fireflies.  Watermelon.  Homemade ice cream.  Sun-kissed cheeks and the smell of sunscreen. 

Oh yes how I do so love summer.

These past few summers though… I don’t know.  It seems like that no matter how much wistful optimism I start out with, I wind up at the end of summer feeling exhausted, strung out, and ready for life to get back to ‘normal’….whatever that means.

How does this happen?  How I do change this?  How do I get my rhythm back?  These are the questions I’ve been pondering for the past week. 

I think the key to summer is establishing beforehand what you would like your summer to look like.  Setting an intention if you will.  I’ve seen several things on Pinterest and blogs – summer checklists or manifestos.  Which is great (I would say especially so if you have little ones to keep entertained and/or engaged for summer).  But rather than make yet another to-do list, something that for me somehow always seems to morph into an utterly impossible and in-achievable agenda, I decided instead to take a breath.  A pause.  

Then I asked myself, “Kelly, what do you really want from summer?”

Turns out…it’s quite simple actually. 

I want a summer that is grace-filled.  Joy-full.  I want connection and laughter.  Freedom and adventure.  Whimsy and light.  And while I am so looking forward to some of the fun things my family has planned, I would also like to take a cue from my word for the year – pare – and create some margin and space for the unexpected.  For the impromptu.  For the spontaneous.

Funny thing is, my intention for the summer is really just the same as for the rest of the year.  Which is to be fully present in my own life.  To not be thinking two hours ahead or three tasks ahead.  To see with new eyes and an open heart.  To just be present in each moment whatever that may be...because regardless of the season, that's where the magic lies.

What are you hoping for this summer?