My Goodbye to Summer

It was like one day it was summer and 90 degrees and the next day it was 60 degrees and the leaves were changing. And I’m not even exaggerating when I say that. It happened overnight. 

Mother nature just decided, yup it’s time. 

Now it’s in the 50’s and 60’s, and currently as I’m writing this it’s gray, raining and 48 degrees out. 

I’m sipping a hot cup of 500 mile chai at my favorite little tea shop in the  East Village (of Des Moines). 

It’s always a bittersweet goodbye when summer is over. 

I’m usually happy for the drop in temperature. 

Summers here in Iowa get pretty toasted and humid. 

There’s something so nostalgic about fall. 

Even when you’re not in school anymore you still get that sensation of it’s 'back to school' season. The excitement of change, of seeing your friends again. Of new pens and notebooks. 

Now it feels like we’re scrambling to plan our January escape from the cold. 

But for today I want to reminisce on some of my favorite aspect of summer. 

The smell of sunscreen. If there was a sunscreen scented perfume, I’d wear it. I love the slightly greasy sheen that sunscreen leaves on your skin. 

Bodies of water and getting into them. I didn’t do this nearly enough this summer, but there’s nothing quite like shrieking as you laugh yourself off a dock into the water without a care in the world. 

Enjoying the shade from some trees because it’s noticeably cooler. I love walking places on the shady side of the street. Enjoying the warm weather, but also keeping out of the sun. 

Running in the mornings because it’s cooler. Still muggy, but bearable. My running falls off as it gets cold out. But there’s nothing quite like starting your day with an early morning run. Especially if you run with someone else. 

Kids triathlons. If you’ve never been to one, I highly recommend it. I think my favorite task is helping the kiddos out of the water. The relief and sense of accomplishment for completing the first part of the race. 

Being tan from all my time outside, even though I always wore sunscreen. All shades are beautiful, but my skin does something special with a little bit of sun. The humidity helps my dry skin, the sun evens out my skin tone, and my skin just doesn’t break out as much in the summer. 

Tan lines from my sandals. But I think those will make it until next year. They are harsh lines, but I love them. They remind me of all the hard work and fun I had outside. 

Warm summer nights. This always reminds me of my younger years, but gosh there’s still just something about them.  

I love summer, but so does everyone else. What I’m working on is my relationship with the colder months, which are on their way. 

What about fall are you excited about? 

My 2017 Summer Goals

Seeing that summer is almost here, I thought it might be helpful to set a few summer goals for myself. I know you’re supposed to focus on setting actual tasks that can be ticked off a list, but I’ve realized quite a few of mine are more over arching themes. 

And I’m OK with that. 

ONE — spend more time being active outside

Over the winter, when I was home, I got pretty good at doing my 2 p.m. yoga session in my living room. But now that is is beautiful out I love finding ways to do my daily physical activity outside. 

This means going and riding my bike and my long board. As well as going on walks and maybe even a run (jog) every now and then. 

TWO — take advantage of nice weather, and appreciating it

I know this one connects itself to number one on my list. But, I spend so much time in the cold months cooped up inside because I just really dislike the cold. But now that it’s warm out, I need to get into the habit of taking myself outside to enjoy the weather I spent so many months wishing for. 

Sunshine and blue skies feed my soul. This can be as simple as sitting in hammocks, going on walks and going camping. 

THREE — get back into journaling, meditation and yoga.

When things got a bit crazy last month a few things had to give way to what had to get done. Unfortunately it was these things that I know have such an incredible impact on my overall well-being. 

Before we went to Bali I was doing a daily meditation and it was great. 

While in Bali I did a ton of yoga and my body felt great. I even came home thinking I might want to get my teacher training done. 

And up until last month I was consistently journaling every single morning.

All things I enjoy, and all things I want to get back into the habit of. 

FOUR — read more

Once again, normally I am always reading, but I didn’t have time to do it last month. 

I’m going to put together a summer reading list and start knocking it out. Summer is a great time to read books. Grab a blanket, grab a hammock, get outside and read. Not to mention reading before bed instead of being on your computer or phone. 

The current book I’m working my way through is actually one I’ve had on my bookshelf for a few months. “The Greatest Experiment Ever Performed on Women: Exploding the Estrogen Myth"

FIVE —  start a second FemmeHead channel

This is a tangible step. One I know I’m already going to do. I want a place to share more behind the scenes life vlogs and videos. 

And to be honest. It might even have happened by the time this goes up. 

SIX — more time with family and friends

I’ve been doing a good job at this so far this year, but it’s one that I want to keep up on. Since quitting my job in January I have found that I spend quite a bit of my time alone, at home, working. Which is great, it is where I am most productive and focused. But this also means I need to put more effort into that time outside of work, and fill it up with social interaction, or I start to go a bit batty. 

SEVEN — drink more fluids (a never ending goal)

Do I even have to go through the benefits? [better complexion, digestion, energy, everything]. 

I’m really good at drinking my coffee every morning. But rubbish at drinking water. 

Spicy foods really helps. As well as making sure you have a glass or some sort of container of water near you at all times. 

EIGHT — eat more fresh fruits and vegetables

This is one of those things that is easy and natural. These are the things I crave. But winter can be a time of comfort, of seeking out warmth. 

But as the seasons grow warmer it is not only easier to find fresh fruits and vegetables, but that's what I find myself gravitating towards anyways. 

In the end these are all pretty simple, achievable goal themes for the summer. But I find that taking the time to sit down, think through what I want to accomplish, and write it all down helps guide me through my daily activities.