Embracing Summer’s Light
As I sit looking out the window of my Houston, Texas home office on a beautiful summer’s day, observing a bright blue sky and an abundance of beautiful trees gently swaying with a small breeze passing through, I find myself vividly reminiscing about my great grandmother Bella’s front porch. Perched atop creaky wooden steps and a sturdy raised foundation, this porch was a welcoming haven. I couldn’t wait for the school year to end, as I always happily looked forward to spending my summer break with her and my great grandfather. Starting from as early as I can remember, I absolutely loved it when she would sometimes have multiple strings of planned and unplanned neighbors and family members dropping over for a lazy afternoon visit. With the sounds of nature humming in the background, lively conversations, stories, problem solving, listening, and lots of jovial laughter flowing freely, and the nuanced wisdom in their words transcended across generations. Little did I realize that over the years and up through completing college, this little front porch represented a constant thread of connection and grounded within me an intricately woven fabric of curiosity, wonderment, mental fortitude, and resilience that would support me until today.
Her porch often served as the gathering spot within her community – I loved it!
Summertime and Self-Reflection
As the days grow longer and the warmth of the sun envelops us, summertime brings with it a unique opportunity for reflection and growth. Just as I found solace and wisdom on my great grandmother’s porch, summer invites us to slow down, bask in the present moment, and reconnect with our true selves.
Summertime is not just about exploring new places but also about delving into the depths within our own hearts and minds. The warmth and brightness of summer can be a powerful metaphor for the inner work we undertake in understanding and embracing our true selves. It’s a time when we often feel more vibrant, more alive, and more in tune with our surroundings. This heightened sense of awareness can be a catalyst for profound personal insights.
The Power of Pausing and Reflecting
Summer encourages us to take a break from our usual routines. Whether it’s a vacation, a staycation, or simply spending more time outdoors, these pauses are essential. They offer us the chance to step back, breathe, and see our lives from a fresh perspective.
In these moments of pause, we can ask ourselves important questions:
- What parts of my self have I been neglecting?
- How can I nurture me during this season?
- Does “This Is Me Now” evoke any thoughts about who I am in this moment?
Embracing Change
Just as the seasons change, so too do we. Summer is a reminder that change is natural and beautiful. The lush growth of nature around us can inspire us to embrace our own personal growth. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and each season brings its own lessons and opportunities.
Celebrating Your Journey
Summer is also a time of celebration. Celebrate the steps you’ve taken on your journey, no matter how small they may seem. Every moment of self-discovery is a victory, a testament to your resilience and courage.
As we enjoy the warmth and light of summer, let’s also bask in the glow of our own self-awareness. This is a time to honor who we are, who we’ve been, and who we are becoming. Remember, “This Is Me Now” is not just a catchy little title that I thought up for this blog — it’s a journey and an ever-evolving story of ourselves and how we want to show up in the word.
Like those precious moments on Bella’s Front Porch, I encourage you to find your own version of a centering “front porch†haven and share your story with others. Engage with people and communities that understand your experiences and lift you up when needed. Let this summertime season be one of connection, light, love, and support, as we all walk our paths of self-discovery together.
Embrace your journey, heal your heart, and reclaim your story.
With resilience and hope,
Paulette
