I struggled to write my article this week. I started and stopped various pieces. They either didn’t flow or needed more sources or just didn’t feel right. And so, I thought, it’s summer – maybe it’s okay. Maybe when creativity and ideas slow down, we should too. So, I thought, what am I grateful for this time of year? And the thoughts came flooding in. Instead of a forced, messy article I settled in on a gratitude list of sorts, with a few unexpected appreciations that I hope show up more throughout my year.
1.) Friends that stop in. Summer feels like the only time of year that friends and family randomly stop in. I wish our schedules weren’t so heavily packed with activities and to do lists that we had more time for this all year round. Seeing family and friends on a regularly random basis just feels right.
2.) The ocean. The river. The lake. Or any body of water that allows you to fully submerse yourself in the moment. That’s what water does. You need to be in the moment to swim to the other side or to intently watch your little kids enjoy the water.
3.) The beach. Or if there’s no beach nearby, the sandbox. My kids love sand and will play in it for hours. No joke, my 4-year-old will spend a full 8 hours at the beach and love every minute. It’s the best parenting hack I have. Take your kids to the beach and let it entertain them from sunup to sundown.
4.) Boating. The tunes, the wind in the hair – it’s a vibe.
4.) Ice cream. Need I say more?
5.) Last minute plans. My husband and I recently got invited to a concert the night before. THE NIGHT BEFORE. We haven’t done anything that crazy since our pre-kids days. It was so fun and random. Grateful for grandparents that take your kids last minute to allow this. Also, turns out I still like the guy. Life gets full of daily monotony and kid-centric activities that one can forget who their partner is. We had the best time.
6.) Golf for fun but also golf for sport. I’ve always loved golf. Am I good at it? Nope. But I find it humbling and still always a good time. Good for laughs, good for fresh air, good just to try.
7.) Deck drinks. Coffee drinks, water drinks, boozy drinks, any drinks. No matter the drink there’s just something about sipping em on a deck. And bonus if a few others join ya on that deck. Always worth it.
8.) Bonfires. The conversation is always better around a bonfire.
9.) Aperitivo. The hours between work and dinner can be some of the best hours of the day. I always suggest a good meat and cheese tray (charcuterie if you’re fancy) with a rosé or sparkling red.
10.) Cabin/camper living. Simple menu, simple clean up. Less is always more.
11.) Sandal season. Sandals with dresses, sandals with shorts, sandals with swimsuits, sandals with sweats. It’s sandal season and I love the ease and simplicity of it.
12.) The classics on the rainy days. Grease, Dirty Dancing, Sex and the City reruns. It’s cheap therapy ya’ll.
13.) Winter getaways. What’s summer holidays without dreaming about the next season of getaways?
Voila. When creativity doesn’t flow, tap into that gratitude. I hope you’re all enjoying your season of summer.
*Thanks to Ali Labelle from À La Carte for the inspo – the queen of creativity and beautiful things.
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