Appreciating Summertime

approx. 4 min read

I kissed the sun

And he kissed me back

Just revitalized my being

From the energy I lacked

And as I felt that bliss flow through my veins

His rays seeped into my skin

Giving it color again

“I Kissed the Sun” - Keke Serene (2019)

Summer is my least favorite season, but I don’t hate it like I used to. It was almost unbearable for me as a child. The summer heat made me very irritable and my allergies were just as bad as in spring, if not worse. Though I have grown out of severe allergies and now have control over the air conditioning in my home, summer still does not give me excitement like it does to many others. However, I’ve grown an appreciation for the season as it compares to no other. 

Juicy Fruits

The best fruits are in season and reasonably priced during the summertime. I’ve been savoring peaches, mangos, nectarines, pineapples, and watermelon at every chance. Not only are they sweet and delicious when ripe, but their juice is hydrating and full of nutrients. I love the experience of eating summer fruits. When you bite into a peach or nectarine, a kaleidoscope of red and yellow is revealed, and the colors slowly disappear until you’re left with a solid red pit. Pineapples are always solid in color, but with the first bite, the acidity bites you back until your mouth adjusts to the flavor. Eating fruit in the summertime always gives me such a nostalgic comfort.

Flourishing Nature & Good Health

During summer, the days are longer and the sun is closer to our lovely planet, which means we are soaking in more sunlight. Vitamin D levels are up, so our moods are improved and we have better overall health. After spending time outside with friends, I’m quickly reminded that nature is healing. Imagine the trees swaying in the breeze, the sun shining brightly, the birds chirping, and the squirrels chasing each other while chatting with friends and breaking a sweat. It is a healing time that rebalances the mind, body, and soul. Even after showering away the dirt and sweat, that vibrancy remains in you for hours. 

Great Vibes & Experiences 

Summer has a beautiful carefree energy. It makes children want to stay outside all day, even when scorching hot. It makes adults want to stay out all night even when exhausted from their daily responsibilities. You know it’s summertime when you hear children’s laughter at all hours or see women strutting in brightly colored, flowy dresses. The confident yet happy-go-lucky atmosphere is inspiring and contagious. No other season has that power. And that power inspires so many impactful outings that bring communities together. 

Summer outings are unmatched. One of my favorite places is the beach. I love the beach! Some fear the ocean or hate the sand, but I love everything about it. Of course, beach-going is best when it’s hot and that applies to other activities like camping, grilling, attending music festivals, browsing farmers markets, and much more. So thank you, Summer, for providing an air of joy to be shared among everyone.

Love & Lighthearted Romance

Summertime vibes often bring fresh bonds that develop into deep relationships or simply serve their seasonal purpose as a summer fling. Either way, the easygoing atmosphere fosters a flirtatious ambiance that compares to no other, to the point where it is written about in modern entertainment and classic stories. I think of popular movies I enjoyed as a kid like Grease, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and What a Girl Wants, all of which begin with a summer romance and turn into something more. Whether you’re demure or bold, flirting is fun and harmless on the surface but can lead to much more. In an era of dissatisfaction with dating apps, it’s best to get out and enjoy yourself with the great possibility of grabbing someone’s attention.

Summer Isn’t So Bad

Every season has its purpose. Think of the duties of a farmer. Seeds are sown in spring, crops grow in summer to be harvested in autumn, and winter is a period of rest and maintenance. Even animals adjust to each season, sensing the perfect time to mate and hibernate.

I still dislike summer. Or maybe I do like summer, though I roll my eyes at it. Perhaps I just have a varying love for it. But I know for sure that I appreciate the season and the vibrancy it gives to everyone.

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