Reclaiming Summer Joys

Reclaiming Summer Joy: How to Make the Most of the Seasons You Have Left

Have you ever stopped to consider how many summers you might have left? It's a sobering question, but one that can inspire profound change in how we approach our lives. After losing my mother earlier this year, I've been reflecting deeply on mortality – not in a morbid way, but as a wake-up call to embrace the time we have with greater intention and joy. If you're in your 50s or 60s, statistically speaking, you might have 25-35 summers remaining. This realization isn't meant to depress us but to spark a revolution in how we approach each passing season.

Many of us postpone joy consistently, telling ourselves "maybe next summer" or "when I have more time." We become trapped in to-do lists, people-pleasing behaviors, and work commitments that drain our energy and steal our time. But what if we approached this summer differently? Midlife offers us a beautiful opportunity – we finally know what matters, we understand that time is precious, yet we still have enough time left to explore, reinvent ourselves, and play. This is the perfect moment to stop living for others and start living authentically for ourselves, without apology or hesitation.

Creating a summer bucket list can be transformative, but it's important to approach it differently than a typical to-do list. Instead, consider creating a "to-feel" list – how do you want to feel by September? Perhaps you want to experience the exhilaration of learning a new skill like paddleboarding or pickleball. Maybe you long for the serenity of mornings in your garden or the joy of exploring local waterfalls. The beauty is that many meaningful experiences don't require significant financial investment – sometimes it's as simple as using your backyard fire pit on a Friday morning to capture that camping feeling, or saying yes to something you've always wanted to try, especially if it feels silly or outside your comfort zone.

Another powerful strategy is becoming a tourist in your own town. Like many of us, you likely drive past attractions daily that visitors travel miles to experience. When I lived near Disneyland at age 18, I was shocked to learn my coworkers hadn't visited in decades despite living just minutes away. Similarly, I realized I rarely visit the beautiful pier in my hometown except when hosting out-of-town guests. Breaking this pattern can be as simple as treating yourself to an ice cream cone at a local spot or exploring shops you normally drive past. These small adventures can bring unexpected joy and fresh perspective to places we take for granted.

Summer isn't about cramming more activities into already busy schedules – it's about being more present, open, and authentic in each moment. By letting go of one thing that's weighing you down – whether it's clutter, a commitment, or a limiting belief – you create space for more joy to enter your life. Having 30 summers left isn't a countdown to dread; it's a treasure map to explore with wonder and intention. Every summer from here forward can be better than the last if we choose to claim it, create it, and experience it fully. Don't wait for the perfect summer this year – start living your summer bucket list today, filling your days with meaning, your evenings with wonder, and your life with stories worth sharing.