What does it look like to honor our seasons, the seasons of our lives and seasons on the calendar? Both of which are relevant to our lives.
Each day is brand new. What if we chose one different thing today? Not a whole schedule of newness, which would only lead to overwhelm and be ineffective in its staying power, but one little thing. We could choose to reframe a thought we have about our body and the way we see ourselves.
For example:
Prior thought: I’m not pretty enough.
Underlying emotions attached to that thought: disappointment, sadness, defeat, hopelessness
Potential new thought: I possess my own natural beauty. I am unlike anyone else.
New underlying emotions: hope, pride, love, admiration
During summer, the temperatures are often hotter, school isn’t in session in the same way, and there are typically more family vacations, camps, and neighborhood gatherings.
With this knowledge, we see more social gatherings and more busy moments. How do you feel in social situations? What does this bring up for you and your body?
If being around people lights you up, then you may feel at peace or at home at these places and during these summer months. If you tend to not feel as comfortable around others, you may find these summer months more nerve-racking.
Knowing these differences, we can learn to honor our own unique bodies, personalities, and tendencies. What could make you feel more comfortable if you decide to engage in these moments with others? Would a reframing thought as above be helpful? Or is there a mantra that brings you back into your body? Or an audiobook or podcast that grounds you before an event? In Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards, she shares her top tips for showing up as your most authentic self. And this is all while paying attention to the actions of those around you, but not requiring you to be fake or push your social limits.
Summer events can be a blast, if you honor who you are, what you need, and remember to show up as only you. Try creating a reframed thought, and take it with you and feel the empowerment of doing something different.
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Kristen Donia is a freelance writer living in a tiny house she built in sunny Southern Oregon. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and has dedicated her life to studying and writing about empathy, vulnerability and enriching the human experience.