Making the Most of the Summer

It’s officially summertime. The sun is out, the clothes are shedding, and the outdoors are calling.  The water’s the perfect temperature, and the bodies we have shaped and grown to love are about to have their day in the – literal – sun. The feelings of infinite opportunities and endless days ignite our senses and desires of freedom and friendships. It is my favorite time of the year.

Except things are a bit different. If you haven’t noticed, what rock do you live under, and is it for sale?

In actuality, it’s an understatement to say everything has changed. The world has shaken and shifted and cracked beneath our feet. Our false sense of safety and plenty has faded to a clear and cruel reality that we all have to accept. With the changing of seasons, it is clear that we are not going back to our known “normal’ and instead must shape our own new sense of normalcy.

So what is summer going to be without late night drives, trips to the beach, and backyard hangouts and hugs?

I’ve been listening to and reading a lot of Priya Parker who is the author of “The Art of Gathering”. I stumbled upon her TED radio hour right after the lockdowns started, and she has opened my eyes to the different kinds of gatherings we participate in. Her argument is that we should focus on making our gatherings meaningful and unique rather than gathering often. Creating memories with those that we care about is more important than seeing those people as often as possible.

Though the planner in me loves this idea, one of the best things about summer is its infinite, unplanned opportunities. Some of my best memories have been moments of random, unintentional gatherings. I miss the days of running into people, surprise visits, and nights that never ended. Words cannot express how much I wish to host one more random dinner and have my friends meeting and bonding over wine on my front porch.

But I don’t think that has to end. We are all aware of the safety measures and should be following them to protect the health and safety of ourselves and everyone around us. However, there are definitely ways to stay safe while staying connected as the sun warms our eager bodies.

Maybe that looks like a true 14 day self-quarantine followed by a safe trip to someone’s aunt’s beach house. Maybe it’s a 6-feet-apart park hang to drink and watch the sunset together. Maybe it’s adding a significant other to your isolation and learning and growing together. Maybe it’s a random gossip session with the neighbors you never talked to before all of this.

Because we are not alone. Though we may not see each other often, the reason why we’ve been able to get through these uncertain times is with the support of our loved ones. It is now time to take what we’ve learned and shape new ways of social fulfillment.

It may not be what we want, but right now, I am willing to do whatever it takes to see you again.