Though the summer is still in session, with full confidence, I can honestly say that this summer has been one of the best summers I’ve ever had. It’s been nothing short of amazing. And one of the reasons I believe it’s been so great is because it’s been filled with a lot of self-care (along with some sprinkles of spontaneity). So much so that many of the pictures I’ve shared on social media have followed with #selfcaresummer.
When the summer began, I had a few things planned and other things I wanted to do too, but I knew I needed to make self-care a priority and allow myself to go with the flow of what this summer could bring. In the past two years, I’ve been super busy. I had a career change, went back to school, purchased my first home, adopted a puppy, picked up a new writing opportunity, spent more time with my family and friends, and then this summer arrived. I knew this summer would be a good time for me to slow down and really be in a space to enjoy all the wonderful things happening in my life.
So one of the first things I did was make out a list of books I wanted to read, movies I wanted to watch, and outings and experiences I wanted to have. And as I made my list, I also reminded myself to be open to seeing where this summer could take me. While it’s great to make lists and plans, it’s also refreshing and exciting to let go and let things flow sometimes too. So as I read books, watched movies, and went out with family and friends, I’d also have moments of downtime in between where I allowed myself to be still. There have been days when I walked through each room in my house and thought, “Wow, I have my own home. This is amazing.” I’ve also had prayer time and talks with God about where I’m at in this season of my life as a 32-year-old who never would have imagined her life would be where it is now. And I’ve allowed myself to loosen up and have more fun.
I can tell I’ve really been enjoying this summer because, according to my recent weigh in, I’ve gained 8 lbs. of what I’m calling “summer love weight.” And to my surprise, I’m not freaking out about it. I know I look fine and can shake the gained weight off easily (I work out every week and count calories). But for the most part, I’ve been eating what I want, along with some dessert here and there, so being comfortable with myself and my body has been an act of self-care and self-love too. This self-care summer has been a happy time filled with delicious food and drinks, time with family and close friends, more quality time with my fur baby, live music, beautiful flowers, and making lots of new memories. It’s just been a great time in a lot of special ways, and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to enjoy it. If you’re reading this right now, I hope this summer has been a great one in some special ways for you too.