Lean into Summer

Summer in the Age of Covid…

• How are you feeling about summer this year?
• How much is your normal routine impacted?
• What do you tell yourself about the changes?

Life is still impacted by Covid and all the related uncertainties. However, even though there are some changes – and stress- we can still look for ways to enjoy the season at hand.

I love June. June brings the start of summer and it stretches before us to be savored. Summer Solstice is on the 20th. And then Father’s Day on the 21st. July is around the corner.

Sure, there may be some things we can’t do as we normally would, but maybe that gives us more time to focus on what is available to enjoy. And maybe we can enjoy the simple things just a little bit more.

We can still have picnics, summer flowers, gardens, fresh fruits and veggie, bbq’s, and afternoons in the hammock or beach chair. Depending on our situation and comfort level we may have patio gatherings, pool time, road trips, trips to the farmer’s market or festival, youth baseball and pool or lake time. We can stop to smell the roses, run through the sprinkler, toast marshmallows, catch fireflies.

So, let’s try to acknowledge the hard parts (and breathe, take care of ourselves, connect with others), AND try to embrace all the good things available to us. If you are having a hard time, reach out for some support and contact me at linda@stilescounseling.com

Articles of Interest

Celebrating Fathers

https://www.ahaparenting.com/blog/Fathers-Day

Summer Reading Lists

For All of Us:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/books/summer-reading.html
https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/2020-summer-reading-list

And for Kids:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/2020-summer-reading-list

Things to Do In and Around K.C.

https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/things-do/attractions/everything-you-need-know-about-summer-kansas-city
https://www.timeout.com/kansas-city/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-kansas-city
https://www.visitkc.com/visitors/things-do/attractions/day-trips-help-you-escape-kc-city-life

15 Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Stress and Increase Calm

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g32267191/mindfulness-activities/

15 Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Stress and Increase Calm – Good Housekeeping 15 Mindfulness Activities to Reduce Stress and Increase Calm. Practicing simple techniques and exercises can help you improve mental clarity and curb anxiety.

Quotes & Inspiration

“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” —Charles Bowden

“Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” —Van Morrison

“I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket.” —Kellie Elmore

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” —Sam Keen

“Live the actual moment. Only this actual moment is life.” —Thích Nhất Hạnh

“One must maintain a little bit of summer, even in the middle of winter.” —Henry David Thoreau