Embracing Summer's Spark

Turning Observations into Inspiration

Summer is a time for road trips, beach fun, and barbecues. Daily routines often become less frenetic as schedules are adjusted for summer break. The sunshine drives people outdoors, or, as is the case for Texans, drives folks to explore cooler latitudes. ;)

With the turning of the seasons, summer is one that many people welcome with expectation. There’s no more shoveling of snow, we get to shed our bulky clothes, and there’s a general sense of lightness in the air.

As a kid, my summers were delightful. I spent them with my extended family, where I got to explore worlds that were totally foreign to me. At my grandparents’ house, I got to see chickens, gardens, and drink water from a natural spring. At my aunt’s house, I learned to swim, visited a huge mall (well, it was huge to me at the time), and dreamed of being as sophisticated as my cousin Becky. ;)

At the time, I wasn’t thinking about making memories. I was simply living in each moment, amazed and delighted at the differences I observed between my experiences and my extended families’ experiences. I wasn’t aware that I was picking up tidbits of information that would later become an integral part of my life.

For example, watching my aunt have not just a job, but a career, was something that I hadn’t witnessed up close before. The image of my aunt in her successful career opened the possibility of me becoming a career woman, as well. I’m grateful to my aunt because I had a wonderful career as a software engineer, and it might not have happened without her showing me the way.

At my grandparents’ house, the joy of seeing kittens up close began my lifelong love of felines. Perhaps I would have discovered my cat joy somewhere else along the way, but I’m glad I discovered it early so I would have many decades to adopt, rescue, and love the nearly 100 cats that have entered my life in some form or fashion.

What are you doing this summer?

Because I’m retired now, every day is sort of like summer — at least in the lazy days sense — but there is still something special about the summer season. For me, the abundant sunshine provides a spark of joy even on my most low-energy days. I sometimes think about the unique (to me) experiences I had during summers as a child and wonder if there are still any new experiences to be had.

What can I do this summer that might change my life for the better? What might I see, hear, or experience that would make me think differently, find a new hobby, or bring increased creativity to my current hobbies? What can I do that might bring new perspectives to my life or to my understanding of others or of the world around me?

Many people would say that traveling to new places will do that and I quite agree. I’ve been amazed at how even a day or two in a new place can shift my thinking or bring new insights. But I don’t think we need to travel far to feel that shift. The key is in our observation, not in our location.

In my own backyard, I’ve noticed how differently two species of birds will sing. In my garden, I’ve observed how fine a line there is between a “desirable” plant and a weed. With the recent Texas rains, I’ve noticed how different the moist July air feels compared to the searing, dry air of the summers I’ve previously experienced in Austin.

As with my childhood summers, I can’t yet say how these simple observations about my world might change me or be the catalyst for positive change down the road. But what I do know is that potentially any new experience could be one that affects me in a positive fashion, so I should treat each one as if it contained that possibility.

How astute are you at observation? Could your summer activities lead you to new horizons? Even if you think not, would you be willing to try to allow your new experiences to mold you in a new and positive direction?

Whether you’re going on a road trip or staying home, spending time with others or alone; or doing something big or something small, approach each event with childlike curiosity.

Now might be a time to start journaling, if you haven’t already. And, of course, be sure to keep writing gratitudes about your experiences! :)

Allow the spark of summer joy to provide inspiration for your future journey of happiness, healing, and harmony.