Heck yes, Summer is in full swing! It’s my favorite time of year and the season when the natural world is a veritable feast for the senses. Verdant walking trails seem to be everywhere and there’s no short supply of summer’s delicious flavors and its healthy vegetables and fruits.
Summer fills me up with inspiration. Whether it’s discovering an unknown trail while traveling or enjoying the garden in my own backyard, I find it to be a true regroup from the year’s hula hoop.
A friend of mine recently recommended a side trip to Monterey to follow a San Francisco business trip. Incorporating both felt smart and added a sparkle to my fave season. One trip, two things: effortless efficiency. California seemed like a good place to do both.
Redwood trees and artichoke hearts
Avocados and fresh fish tacos
Trails to make you feel super swell
Keeps you on track and staying well
The ease in which I could find gluten-free food in this health-conscious place, plus the abundant access to nature trails that makes exercising fun, kept me fulfilled and incredibly grateful. Being outdoors is one of the best life gifts. The West Coast makes it a cinch to pursue healthy behaviors—which paves the way for even more inspiration.
I wish for everyone to find some moments to get away. Maybe make nature-nurture quality time activities a priority for your crew, or simply be outside while it’s beautiful and warm. If it’s too hot in your neck of the woods, try early morning or evening walks. Check out the roadside stands and green markets. Be kind to yourself. Go summer slow.
A slow walk, a fast flight
Catch a sweet ride
Summer hikes
Wading seaside
Switchbacks
With your backpack
Whatever way you choose to go
Ride a bike, yup—no snow!
Warm and kind
Do your best to unwind
Keep your chin up
Let your sunshine show
Catch the summer glow
Summer opens us up to be more positively present. I have found that I’m more curious, alert and eager when the pace of the day is slower.
And when we’re feeling good, we’re more receptive to the beauty that is all around us. For example, this quote moved me to tears when I read it:
When you’ve transmuted dark poison, you develop an appetite for light and only light. You will choose to eat the light, point out the light, paint with light, speak with light, make love with light, dance for light, work for light, laugh with light, rest in the light, inquire from the light. You will throw light around like the lightworker that you are. It will be stunning.– Danielle La Porte.
Danielle’s poetic words of wisdom are a reminder to gravitate to the sunshine: The books we read, the food we put in our bods, the people we enjoy, the activities and places we go that fill us up, all help reframe and modify life for the better. I’m impressed, grateful, enlightened, faithful and a better person for this.
Summer in full swing
Lovin’ that sunshine it brings
Gettin’ to do those outside things
Birds stoppin’ me when they sing
Fresh veggies, summer cookin’ for my kings
Messages flyin’ in on angels’ wings
Solid as a rock
Grounded in sneakers—with socks
High on life’s wave
Summer’s soft sand, a precious save
Relentless spirits, those roads we pave
And when you finally sit down under the night sky with your sun-kissed cheeks and sore, happy muscles, you can be proud of yourself knowing you poured your love into summer like you do your work all year long leading up to it. It’s all about the earnest balance.
Gratitude in all your steps and travels keeps life lovely.
