Why Do I Have the Summer Slumps?

I think as a child, summer had a magical quality to it. It seemed like unlimited freedom--3 WHOLE months! Water, ice cream, fireworks, trips, camps--fun galore. Even into the college and law school years, summer still felt exciting. It was a time to step into adulthood without all the burdens. It was the feelings of childhood summer but with spending money.

I don't want to make it seem like I haven't had summers of adulthood since graduating because I have, but things do feel different. Maybe it's because it's the first summer where I am not preparing for something. No summer reading, no entrance exams, no moving plans, no internships, and no bar exams. Life is the same as it was three months ago (with the exception of Love Island, of course).

So maybe that's why life is feeling meh. On a deeper level, I think this is the first time ever I haven't been striving for something. Who am I without a massive goal? And perhaps I should be happy that there isn't something massive to worry about. I can take a deep breath and really consider what it is that brings me joy for the sake of bringing me joy and not success.

I think being the eldest daughter of my family came with a lot of pressure to lead the charge of the children--to set an example of hard work and achievement. But what would it be like to set an example of rest and contentedness? I truly don't know.

This summer, I want to create a season of joy for the sake of joy. I want to stop seeing the summer as a bridge to something bigger and better. So how do I intend to do that?

I decided to get back into reading. As an English major and law student, all I did was read for school, so it's been a minute since I've done it for pleasure. Do you remember The Selection series by Kiera Cass? It was one of my favorite book series in middle school, so I went on a hunt to find the adult version. After doing some TikTok research, I discovered "The Rose Bargain" by Sasha Peyton Smith. It's a similar premise with the dark and twisty bits. It's been genuinely fun setting aside time for uninterrupted reading, especially with a book that captures all my favorite tropes--romance, English aristocracy, and complicated world-building politics. Could there be an old habit you want to start again?

Which leads straight into my next summer activity. I think I might crack open my unfinished novel draft. I've always made excuses on why I don't need to finish it or why it's too much effort that I don't have, but I can't make those excuses anymore. So yeah, someday soon, you might see a novel with my name on it for sale. I'll keep you posted. Is there a deferred dream that you need to dust off?

Okay, this next one may sound corny, but I'm going to walk barefoot on the beach this summer as often as I can. Living at the beach is such a cool gift that I haven't been taking advantage of enough. Every time I do get out there, I feel so grounded and connected to myself and the world around me. I've always said that I've felt most at peace when I could feel the smallness and fragility of human life. There is something powerful about recognizing how unimportant we all are and fleeting our lives can be. You might think I sound morbid, but this perspective only makes me value my life more. What makes you feel most connected to the world?

I'm also going to save more. As much as I want to live in the moment, I realized how many trips and experiences I still really want to have. For example, I've always wanted to go to England and see the places that meant something to my favorite author Jane Austen. I don't want to give up on this dream. I believe it will happen sooner than I think and I want the funds to take that journey. What could you be doing for your future self?

It would be cool to take more one-off classes. Just because school is over doesn't mean there isn't more to learn. I can also hone my skills or learn new ones just for the sake of knowing new things. So I already looked into writing courses and pottery camps in my area. I might even look into French lessons again. So many possibilities!!

Lastly, I'm going to hesitate less this summer. If I have an idea for the blog, I'm going to write it up! I see a restaurant I want to try, I'm going to make a reservation. I see a festival, farmers' market, or event I want to attend, I will make the time. Life is meant to be lived outside with people while experiencing new things. I would rather go and leave because it's not my vibe rather than wonder if it could've been fun. How can you release your inhibitions and feel the rain on your skin today?

Enough about me, comment below or message me about what you're getting up to this summer to make it an enjoyable time.