Making Joyful Summer Memories

June is nature’s reminder that life is meant to be savored, something that we often forget in our daily routines. It is the month of invitations to abandon our more serious sides, urging us to sink our teeth into local strawberry festivals, making a sticky mess with sweet harvests dripping down our chins. June is also the month of bridal satin, languid dinners on the patio and celebrating Dad with a hearty barbecue.

On the flip side, June can carry the weight of a father’s absence, but such reminders can offer more reasons to dance to a new rhythm with a willingness to reinvent personal summer traditions. Many of us can’t forget the euphoria we felt long ago on the last day of school before summer break. Although life has taken us far from our carefree childhood summers, we can still tap into the season’s potential for levity.

Living summer to the fullest doesn’t require a lengthy European vacation or a zip lining excursion through exotic jungles. All we need are a few inspiring plans that gently encourage our full presence and attention. Letting in some joy can be as simple as planting a patio garden of less common delights like pineapple sage, chocolate mint or cinnamon basil; making homemade lavender lemonade; bringing home fresh flowers every week; or reading a feel-good novel. Even making a small change, like buying a new pair of glittery sandals or stylish sunglasses to wear during ordinary trips to the market, can infuse a new sense of excitement into the season.

Here are some suggestions for creating new summer memories:

•  Go to a favorite café with a best buddy on National Best Friends Day (June 8).
  
  
•  Participate in a drum circle during the Strawberry Moon (June 11) or Summer Solstice             (June 20).
  
  
•  Have a picnic under the stars using a reliable constellation application. Visit                           Space.com/best-stargazing-apps for recommendations.
  
  
•  Eat breakfast in the garden or enjoy iced coffee under a tree in the park.
  
  
•  Invite a companion for a drive with the windows down, good music on and no set                 destination.

Marlaina Donato is an author, composer and painter. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

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