Coming from a small town near the thumb of Michigan, I am well acquainted with the feeling of a perfect summer day. The sun is hot, the air humid and the tall evergreen trees blanket shade over the soft grass. The morning dew is fresh, my coffee is warm, and I am ready for an entire day spent outside. This is what I dream of while studying for a history test in mid February. During those busy months, I long for long summer days to spend in the sun and end with a bonfire filled with laughter and roasted marshmallows. Here are six steps to making this perfect summer day worthwhile:
1. Get up Early. Yes, the summer is about refreshment and rest, but waking up at noon every morning is five hours of sunshine wasted as opposed to waking up at eight. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee, a book, and sunshine to greet the morning sun.
2. Do Something Active. My favorite memories as a teenager consist of running the nearby trail with my mom and biking the same trail with my best friends. Since it was once a railroad track, this gravel trail extend 8.9 miles across town parallel to a beautiful flowing creek and surrounded by wooded forests. The perfect summer day would not be as delightful without running, biking, swimming or maybe going to the park with friends.
3. Explore your surroundings. For the Fourth of July my family spent the week in a small town in northern Michigan. Every day was an adventure to be had and I treasured every moment. Time slows down when your surroundings are breathtaking. Take time to explore them. Whether it is adventuring to a used bookstore or finding an unknown trail, make the most of where you are.
4. Read a Book. Summer is the absolute best time to read for pleasure; use it wisely and take your book everywhere you go. On my lunch break at work, I lay a red, checkered picnic blanket on the grass and read a classic novel. My current favorite is Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson.
5. Be Creative. As a child my favorite part of being outside in the summers was using my imagination and pretending I was a part of another world. As college students, we tend to lose our sense of wonder and imagination. Channel your inner child through painting a picture, photographing a sunset, or writing a story. Be a part of another world, even just for a moment.
6. Try Something New. My parents recently bought paddle-boards to use on the lake. Little did I know, it requires incredible balance and strength. Paddling out into the wide open lake, I chased the sunset fearlessly. Don't be afraid to try new things; maybe that's kayaking down a river or simply trying a new summer recipe—fearlessly explore the unknown! Summer days are longer for a reason; make the most of the time given and enjoy your perfect summer day.
