I’m waking up after a long winter – literally and metaphorically.
I’ve lived in Michigan for three years and winter is still hard for this Texas girl. It’s not the cold temps. It’s not the pretty snow. It’s the days and days of gray, overcast skies with no sunshine in sight.
Winter lasts forever in Michigan.
But on top of surviving literal winter, I’ve survived a metaphoric one.
The truth is, life has been hard.
We just spent the last year battling some of our biggest challenges as a neurodiverse family. One of the biggest being a kiddo who couldn’t leave the house.
Michigan winter + isolation + catatonia = depression.
My mental health has been like the gray, overcast, no sunshine Michigan days.
But just like Spring (finally) found Michigan, my soul is starting to wake up and I feel a little more hope.
The sunshine helps. The right medication for my child helps. The right medication for me helps.
What makes surviving Michigan winters worth it? Michigan summers!
Daylight until almost 10 p.m.
Lovely temperatures and very little humidity.
Fireflies twinkling as far as the eye can see.
Neighbors out in full swing (people literally hibernate in winter, y’all).
A lake that looks like the ocean.
The Northern Lights.
I could go on and on and on about Michigan summers.
This summer I want to do things that bring me joy.
I’m done allowing depression and survival mode to rob me of the things I once loved.
So I made a list because I want to be intentional (and because I love a good list).
Here’s ten things I want to do this summer…
Learn to Play Pickleball
John got me a set for Mother’s Day and I’m excited to learn how to play.
Get My Camera Out and Take Photos
Taking photos brings me so much joy. I was reminded of this last weekend when I took birthday photos of my niece.
Read a Book By the Lake Shore
It’s taken this Florida loving girl a little bit to appreciate Lake Michigan. I’ve finally embraced the beauty, the salt-free water and the fact that I won’t spot dolphins jumping in the waves. But sitting in the sand, with a book and listening to the waves is super relaxing. Hoping to do it a few times this summer.
Walk Into Town for Ice Cream
We live in the cutest little Hallmark town. We have walking trails that lead from our house to the downtown area. I want to soak up the sunshine, walk into town and get ice cream from my favorite spot.
Write Something
I want to write again. I miss it. I guess I’m technically marking that off my list by writing this post, but I want to write more consistently.
Move My Body
Whether it’s playing pickleball or walking with my weighted vest, I desperately need to move my body.
Visit a New Bookstore (Or Several)
I’m planning to do this during two out-of-state trips this summer.
Go to Alaska
We are going on an Alaskan cruise with my parents in June.
Go to Oklahoma
We are spending a long 4th of July weekend with our besties in OKC and I am so excited! Give me all the Classic 50’s Dr Pepper and Tarahumara’s Mexican food!
Summer Fires on the Patio
Our family loves a good fire on a summer evening.
What’s on your summer bucket list? What brings you joy?
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