The mere thought of summer creates a feeling and imagery that stands alone. While each season can be linked to specific weather and activities, I feel the anticipation of summer is a one-of-kind annual experience. Everyone can find something to enjoy in the summer — the benefits of daylight savings time, the freedom of shorts and t-shirts, and the opportunity to socialize and have fun outdoors. We often look forward to these delights, even during other seasons. But as I’ve grown older, I have also noticed that summer’s joys can begin to change as you pass through the decades.

Childhood Summers

Growing up, there weren’t many things in my life more enjoyable than summer. Counting down the last few weeks of school felt like the most significant moment of anticipation that life could offer. Summer meant no homework or alarm clocks, minus possibly having to get up for camp (something I wasn’t too fond of). We had a pool, and I was the family fish, spending hours swimming and playing water games with friends. We took beach vacations and spent extra time with our favorite people. On a summer day, it was so easy to find a simple slice of happiness running through sprinklers or slurping down popsicles. From sunshine to suntans, every day felt like it held an opportunity for fun. And with an August birthday, I always had something to look forward to a few weeks before the dreaded back-to-school countdown.

Summers as a Mom

One of the best things about parenting is being able to experience life a second time through the eyes of your children. When summer arrived, I found the mom benefit I could look forward to and enjoy. The end of school took on a new meaning when I could hang up my chauffeur hat and slow down. No alarm clock was even better when it meant I didn’t have to make lunches and get kids to school. July would feel like the most carefree month of the year before all of the back-to-school ads and commercials started to ruin the summer vibe. Even as my young kids became teenagers, you could still find me swimming in a pool or riding waves in the ocean. And a backyard barbeque featuring a fire pit and roasting marshmallows could quickly become a freeze-frame moment to hold onto for the rest of the year.

When Summers Become Your Own

As a woman gets older, things inevitably change. The daily parenting challenges are replaced by the opportunity to rediscover yourself. Who am I now and what do I enjoy about summer, especially when it no longer unburdens me from a stressful school year? My time is my own 12 months out of the year, but there is still no vibe quite like a summer one. Reading a book by the pool instead of playing lifeguard is beautiful. Taking the dog for a walk after dinner, savoring a bite of ripe, juicy watermelon, or watching a gorgeous sunset are summer activities that will never cease to feel special. And when I want to feel like a kid again, I break out the s’mores ingredients or head off to one of my favorite ice cream places. Adults don’t always have to act like grownups — especially during the summer.

You’ll Never Be Able To Stop Time

Life moves along quickly, just like the summer. That’s why it upsets me when I hear people declare that summer is basically over after July Fourth. In my world, that’s when summer is just getting started. Five decades in, I still try to take July and August one day at a time to find joy and make new memories. Appreciating every summer day will never change for me, no matter how many summers go by.

Photo by Ethan Robertson on Unsplash