Just Breathe

When we think about the spring/summer season what usually comes to mind is  being outside. We envision a blissful time to soak up the sun while enjoying leisurely walks, boating, gardening, or maybe just sitting on the porch with a glass of ice tea. Unfortunately, as the calendar fills up with graduation parties, wedding showers, weddings, anniversaries, reunions and birthday parties, we discover the lazy days of summer are only a myth. Don't get me wrong. I love to to get together with people I care about, but I can't help thinking the whole thing seems a little unfair. There's a small window of nice weather in Minnesota and those who are working get only the weekends or a couple of days off during the week to enjoy it. And most of their precious off time is spent doing chores or running errands. They look forward to the weekends only to find them booked up with social engagements instead of hobbies they're passionate about. In the summer I often find myself going to multiple events on the same day. I fail to enjoy most of them because I'm on the run to make it to the next party. It seems we are so afraid to let anyone down that in the end we let ourselves down. The whole idea of attending everything can be impossible and not to mention exhausting. You can't blame people for scheduling events when it's nice outside but wouldn't it be great to enjoy some of the season doing whatever you want?  A little free time to feel the sun on our backs while we sit still and let our minds wander. Over the winter my husband made a hammock and I can't wait to hang it in the yard. I want to lay down in the breeze and look up at the moving clouds through the trees and think about nothing while I bask in the gloriousness of the spring/summer day. I know the song by Anna Nalick 'Just Breathe' has been around for a while but it has a great message. If you get a chance to view the video here it is:  https://youtu.be/FcvXr-9XtgA   I hope everyone has some time for themselves this spring/summer to do whatever it is that makes them happy. And while you're doing it, take a moment to just breathe.