Summer, in this part of Canada, always feels to me like the shortest season. I love being able to leave the windows open at night to let the warm breezes flow through, going for walks in the early evening, wearing light-weight clothing and sandals or walking barefoot along a beach. I also enjoy a good summer thunderstorm, with brilliant flashes of lightning, crashes of thunder and heavy downpours (provided I’m inside looking out!)
This summer seems to be speeding past, however. I’m aware that we’re already halfway through July and I haven’t had any summer holidays yet. In fact, it’s not likely to happen in the traditional sense this year for several reasons. I no longer have the easy solution of simply going to the cottage for a few weeks. I don’t have a car. I’m also being budget-conscious as I expand my coaching business.
Yet every cell in my being is longing for a summer holiday.
So I spent some time last week asking myself what that really means to me. And here’s what I discovered.
- time away from the computer (email, blog, any form of work)
- time to read
- time to relax, have no plan for the day, putter about with whatever catches my attention
- simple meals that are easy to prepare
- saying yes to spontaneous activities with friends
- having fun
When I looked at that list more closely, I noticed that it comes down to having free time, spontaneous pleasure and keeping things simple. And none of that needs to cost a lot of money nor requires a lot of organization.
So I’ve started creating a holiday feeling by blocking off entire days whenever possible. On those days, I don’t even turn the computer on. I also don’t have a plan for the day. I get up when I feel ready, eat what I want, and spend time doing whatever appeals.
I’ve also pulled out some beloved books from my childhood and begun to re-read them. The Anne of Green Gables series is top of the list. When I read the first book last week, I felt like I was 12 years old again, sitting in my favorite pine tree in the backyard, munching on an apple. I remembered hanging out with my best friend in the tree house at her cottage, dreaming up our future lives. Suddenly, I felt the joy and delight of summer flow through me like a warm breeze and I was lost in a world where there were no computers, emails or deadlines.
What does summer mean to you? How are you savouring these luscious days and evenings while they last?
Leave a comment