Today is the last day of school. Do you remember the feeling? That feeling when the final bell rings?. Squeals of joy. SUMMERRRRRRRR. Ahhhhhhhhhh.
What was summer for you back then? Take a moment to remember back. The time just stretched on and on. Can you remember the smell of the beach, or forest, or meadows of wheat?. Where I grew up there were fields and fields of wheat. And a river. We loved going to the river. Picking blackberries and eating them on the sandy beach.
I'm sure you can remember certain summer songs. I can still feel the feeling of a day where I rode in a jeep wrangler, top down, and James Taylor was singing "Up on The Roof."
In your summer childhood memories did you feel freedom, joy, ease,peace? Interesting, because in my life-coaching practice, I'm seeing that these are the very things we seem to have lost as adults.
In your life, if you just can't remember that summer feeling, find a picture. Go back as far as needed, until you find a photo of a time you felt truly happy. What are you doing in the photo? Are you in nature? Ah -- a clue. Do you need more nature in your current routine? Perhaps your cubicle life is draining you dry. Were you riding a bike all easy breezie to get ice cream? A clue. Do you still own a bike? When was the last time you rode it just for fun? Destination ice cream or bust. Double scoop. Are you alone in the photo, with family, or friends? A clue. Maybe you need more time to yourself. Maybe you need to socialize more. Attached is the photo I used when I did this exercise a couple of years ago. I'm riding with my favorite friend, at my favorite place, on my favorite horse. Yes I am barefoot. Yes I am bareback. Most of all, when I look at it I can still feel the joy, ease, peace...happiness. I am fearless. I am free. So hello summer. A season meant to find time to do the things that make you happy. If this reaches you at a time when you struggle to remember -- then start by doing something that made you happy when you were younger. Maybe it's time to tune up your bike. Ride it to a friend's house.
Barefoot.
For an ice cream.
Double scoop
