There’s just something about the summertime that shifts my emotions toward hope and possibility. But as the season of swimsuits and sunnies draws to a close, your emotions may switch as well.
If you’re like me, weather and seasonal changes affect you. Quite frankly, saying goodbye to summer makes me #SAD af. Now, don’t get me wrong—I do love me some fall. Chic sweaters, crisp, fresh air and bangin a$$ boots are a few of my favorite things. But for some reason, this year I’m holding on to summer with clenched fists.
Since summertime brings with it longer days, I try my best to spend them soaking up the extra daylight doing things that I enjoy: spending quality time with friends and family, outdoor dining, indulging in new experiences, basking in the sunlight (with sunscreen, of course), etc. Needless to say, closing out the summer feels a little more...bittersweet this time around.
To be honest, I can’t quite put my finger on why that is.
But what I do know is that on the flip side, my gratitude doesn’t have to wane just because the daylight is. I mean, every aspect of life has a season—right? My goal with this post is to encourage both you and I to make the transition from summer an intentional, positive shift.
So, let’s reflect.
Reflection is a great tool to help you uncover things that might influence how you push forward and move in the next season (and maybe even next summer). It also may give you a stronger sense of preparedness.
Take a minute to think about the things that brought you joy this summer. What are some things that challenged you or made you uncomfortable? Did you go on any adventures? Maybe you had to release relationships or expectations to allow new ones to form.
Here are 7 quick questions to ponder during your end of summer reflection:
What were some of the highlights of this summer?
What are three words you’d use to describe your summer?
What did you learn about yourself this summer?
What was the most challenging thing you encountered this summer?
What are some things you are leaving behind this summer?
What are three words you hope will describe this upcoming fall?
What are some things you can do to feel more prepared for fall?
In case you find it helpful, below are my answers (y’all know I wouldn’t leave you hanging).
What were some of the highlights of this summer?
Reignited my faith at the Sarah Jakes Roberts Woman Evolve Conference (plus I made the reel-ha!)
Tried out AIRE for the first time
Reconnected with and spent quality time with friends
Semi-impromptu weekend getaways (more spontaneity)
Witnessed my best friend get married in Mexico (bonus: it served as an overdue friend vacay!)
What are three words you’d use to describe your summer?
Fleeting, Eye-opening, Subdued
What was the most challenging thing you encountered this summer?
Finding a good work-life balance (this had ripple effects)
Not traveling as much (compared to years past)
What did you learn about yourself?
I need to set better boundaries and prioritize self-care to not run myself ragged with “yeses” (oh—and not feel guilty about it, either).
What are some things you are leaving behind this summer?
Poor eating habits
Lack of exercise
Being reactionary
Being overly critical of myself
What are three words you hope will describe this upcoming fall?
Blessed, Memorable, Productive
What are some things you can do to feel more prepared for fall?
Create a life “to-do list” with passions and interests vs. responsibilities (i.e., books I want to read, experiences I want to have, things I want to buy or invest in, etc.)
That’s it!
As you can see, this doesn’t have to be a cumbersome or intense journaling exercise. Just allow yourself some time to sit, feel and reflect. Soak in all that was, but stay hopeful and expectant for what’s yet to come.
See you in the fall,
Comentarios