Summer Joys

Last night, I stood on the front porch and enjoyed one of my favorite summer rituals. The rhythmic “thwack, thwack, thwack” of the sprinkler and the scent of water on grass in the warm air made me smile. Across the street, the two-year-old neighbor spied our tractor-style sprinkler. His whole body froze, eyes wide, mouth forming a small “o.”

Then, as fast as his little legs could carry him, he ran over for a closer look. His laughter and joy were contagious, mixing with the sprinkler’s steady rhythm to create the perfect summer soundtrack. It was a sweet reminder that summer’s magic lives in the simplest things.

My Summer Joys

• Waking to the songbirds greeting the new day.

• Laying on the grass and watching the clouds make shapes in the bluest sky.

• Biting into a fresh peach.

• The laughter and squeals of children playing with water.

• Summer songs – “Walking on Sunshine,” “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” “Here Comes the Sun” – just to name a few.

What are your summer joys? What brings back happy memories?

Tiny Self Care Tip

Cool yourself down quickly by running cold water over your wrists for 30 seconds. It’s a quick refresh when the heat gets overwhelming — physically or emotionally.

What I’m Reading

I’m currently reading Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant. If you’d love to move past perfectionism and level up your life, check it out — and join me for Book Club! I’m especially enjoying his thoughts on “purposeful play.”

I’d love to hear what’s bringing you joy this summer!