The elements of Summer are upon us…

As a child, I LOVED Summer. 

The way the days stretch out like taffy. 

The lighted evenings. 

Picking fresh berries… knowing that so many more make it into the mouth and tummy than the bucket. 

And my favorite of all- being in and near water.

As a season, Summer welcomes in adventure, warmth, passion, and creativity. It is a time of expansion, growth, and embracing the fullness of life.

A time to dust off the stagnation of the cooler seasons, and welcome in new beginnings. A movement away from the darkness into the light and heat. 

It is the time of year many of us feel the most alive, as life force energy is both moving swiftly through our bodies, and the environment around us. 

Because I support others in taking rest, retreat, play, and adventure just as seriously as purpose, hard work, and intentional effort- it’s truly important that I also walk the walk.

This summer, I intend to continue that walk of intentional balancing. 

(note that I didn’t say “balance”… as a few dear friends and I have decided it’s more about balanc-ing: a verb set in motion, action, and flow… rather than a noun or state in which we arrive.)

So while I have specific days and times carved out for coaching, I also have created LOTS of room for play, adventure, and presence with my friends and family this season. 

One of my intentions for 2024 has been to say yes to play, and I’ve found that the more I practice this… the easier it has become. 

I find that I melt into the activity with ease… as opposed to going through the rolodex in my mind of all the other tasks I “should” be doing instead.

And so with this… I am calling in an inner child summer. I am going to lean into all things yes, play, adventure, and fun. 

Embracing spontaneity and freedom. 

I’m looking forward to outdoor adventures, lots of swimming, listening to music, and playing lawn games. 

Bike rides and hikes. 

Late dinners outside. 

And I’m going to allow myself to slow down enough to savor it all. 

To enjoy the long days of summer. 

To not pack it all in with plans, but to allow it to unfold, the way it did when we were children.

Perhaps this is sparking something within your body as well. 

Perhaps you are also longing for an inner child summer. 

One where you tune inward and ask:“What do you want to do today?”

Listen to Fleetwood Mac and eat oranges. 

DONE! 

Lay on the hammock and read until our eyes slowly get heavy.

DONE! 

Make a fresh salad with items from the farmers market. 

DONE!

Sleep in. 

DONE!

There are so many ways we can tune inward and listen to our bodies.

Truly pausing and asking in this way allows us to open up to our most authentic yes and our most authentic no. 

We can reconnect, rediscover, and relearn how to celebrate and savor what we truly enjoy. 

So now I ask… What does your inner child long for this summer?