Two Minutes Du Jour

Forget about specific start and end dates; most of us consider June, July and August to be the summer months and, in my opinion, the most fleeting of all seasons.

We’re one week from July, the heart of summer. By now, we’re into the rhythm—camps for kids, road trips, vacations, cabin time, boating, golf leagues, and all the other annual pleasures. Or are we? Is summer just happening? Is it passing us by without owning the experience?

More than all the activities, think about all the summer pleasures:

• Farmers markets
• Garden-fresh produce—BLT, anyone?
• The taste of a perfectly ripe peach
• Frozen treats
• Art fairs
• Community festivals
• Eating outside
• Lying in a hammock
• Stargazing
• Smelling freshly mown grass
• Feeling the cold water from the hose as you water the plants
• The sound of birds singing in the early morning
• The sight of fireflies twinkling in the evening

Without being a killjoy, the season will pass, and it’s easy to miss out on what you want to do.

Before we let go of June this week, remember the quote from author L. M. Montgomery: “I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June.” Let’s envision our summer wishes.

Fill in the blank: This will be the best summer if ______________________________________.

By thinking about all the quintessential summer pleasures, you’re upping the likelihood of enjoying them. Take two minutes to brainstorm things you want to do individually and with family and friends. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plan a picnic in the park with loved ones.
• Organize a neighborhood barbecue.
• Spend an afternoon picking berries at a local farm.
• Set up a backyard camping night with the kids.
• Take a day trip to the beach or a nearby lake.
• Host a summer movie night under the stars.
• Explore a new hiking trail and enjoy the natural scenery.
• Try a new summer recipe, like homemade ice cream or a fresh fruit salad.

By thinking ahead about summer activities and pleasures, you’ll make time for what will help you make this summer a great one before it slips away. In our hectic lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple joys, but with some intention, we can savor the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feelings that define summer.

So, what will make this summer the best one yet for you? Fill in the blank, imagine your ideal summer, and let the adventures begin!

Links Du Jour:

100 Fresh and Healthy Summer Recipes to Add to Your Rotation – Food Network

89 Summer Recipes that Taste Like Pure Sunshine – Bon Appetit

50 Summer Bucket List Ideas – Sunny Life