☀️ The Small Joys of Late Summer. 🌸
Hello!
The other morning, I was in my gym’s locker room getting dressed for my workout when I heard a group of women talking about how sad they were that summer always goes too fast and is almost over.
Summer is my least favourite season, but I still try to embrace it. After hearing their conversation, I felt even more committed to being fully present for the next few weeks.
By late August, it can feel as though everyone is already rushing toward autumn and acting as if summer is over. Back-to-school signs are everywhere, stores are filling with autumn clothing, and you know it is only a matter of time before we are bombarded with pumpkin spice everything.
But summer isn’t over yet.
There are still warm evenings, beautiful sunsets, fresh local produce, lake days, patio drinks, bike rides, books to be read, and lazy afternoons waiting for us.
Rather than rushing ahead, maybe this is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy what is left.
Here are a few simple ways to savour the last weeks of summer:
• Jump in the lake, pool, or ocean one more time.
• Read a great summer book outside.
• Have cocktails or mocktails on a patio.
• Enjoy outdoor theatre and music.
• Eat dinner outdoors.
• Go for an evening walk while the days are still long.
• Take a leisurely bike ride with no goal other than enjoying the scenery.
• Visit a farmers’ market and bring home fresh peaches, tomatoes, corn, berries, or whatever looks irresistible.
• Pack a picnic and take it somewhere beautiful.
• Sit outside with your morning coffee and the paper.
• Watch the sunset.
• Buy or pick some late summer flowers.
• Leave your phone inside and spend an hour simply being outdoors.
• Do absolutely nothing productive for an afternoon.
Compared to last summer, this one has been more enjoyable because I’ve been more intentional. Every summer we take evening dips in the lake and watch the sunset, but this year we made sure to go regularly. I’ve made a point of riding my bike early in the morning and feeling the cool mist on my skin. I’ve read engaging memoirs and attended outdoor plays and musical events. With so much rain this season, my garden has produced an abundance of flowers, and for the first time in a long time, I’m displaying them throughout our house. I’m also insisting on at least one more picnic and plenty more patio time.
None of these things are particularly grand, but that is exactly the point. Some of the best parts of summer are the small, ordinary pleasures we might otherwise rush past or not even bother with.
We don’t have to squeeze every possible experience out of the remaining days of summer. Sometimes it is enough simply to notice them.
The jolt of a summer dip. The glow of the evening sky. The cacophony of birds. Fresh berries. A vase of colourful flowers brightening a room. Getting lost in an engaging book.
These small pleasures are what make the season memorable. Sometimes that can be as simple as pouring something refreshing, sitting down, and taking the time to enjoy it.
Mocktails have become one of my favourite summer treats. Here’s a simple and refreshing one that’s perfect for a late summer sip:
September will arrive soon enough, with its own fresh energy and things to look forward to. For now, summer is still here, so enjoy every moment of it.
I’d love to hear from you. What has been your favourite part of summer so far, and what is still on your summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments below.
Anita ☀️🌻🙏
