The school year is slowly ending which means the summer state of mind is starting to kick in. Everyone will be hanging by whatever thread they have left to get them through the last few days of school. College students will be stuck in the libary pulling all nighters. High school seniors will be enjoying their last few days before they walk across the stage. Middle schoolers are deciding what they are going to write to his or her BFF in their year book. Elementary students are getting excited for sleep away camp. Parents are planning family vacation trips. Even teachers are getting ready for the summer break away from their students.

There's a quote that I found from Regina Brett that reads, "Summer is the annual permission slip to to be lazy. To do nothing and have it count for something. To lie in the grass and count the stars. To sit on a branch and study the clouds." Summer is the time to just sit back and relax and take the days as they go by. It's a break from your normal everyday routine. A chance for a fresh start. Not only does soaking up in the sun give you the energy you need, the "no school" mindset is what makes summer so much fun for children and even young adults. Summer is for all those to just sit back and enjoy life.

For me, summer is one crazy roller coaster. I enjoy summer because I get to spend quality time with my family that I don't usually get to during the school year. To me, family time is always important. I am extremely close with my family and they mean the world to me. However, I am also really big on friendships. As my college days are spent away from home, that means so are my friends. I love everything about summer. Hair gets lighter. Skin gets darker. Water gets warmer. Drinks get colder. Music gets louder. Nights get longer. And life overall gets better. However, one thing I hate about summer is leaving my friends. Leaving my home away from home. Leaving my little dorm I get to call my own. Leaving my roommates who put up with me even when I don't do the dishes. Leaving the friends that cheer me up when all I want to do is cry. One thing I have learned though, its never a good-bye and instead a "see you later". Going back is always such a refreshing feeling in the end of the day too. Its kind of a fresh new start to whatever. Summer is the time to just enjoy life as it is.

Summer laughs are shared and memories are made that will last a lifetime. From the unplanned late nights out, to the planned group beach days, summer always has something positive to offer. Appreciate everyday this summer. Go on random adventures. Explore on your own. Create a bucket list and accomplish as many this as possible. Be one with nature. Have positive vibes. Laugh so much you start crying. Or even cry so much that all you need is a good laugh to keep you going. Let this summer be one for the books. Travel on a random weekend. Go to the beach every day. Attend music festivals. Party it up with friends. Binge watch on your favorite TV series. Even if you do nothing, you are still doing something. You are giving yourself the relaxing time you need. The time to yourself that you may need to just sit back and think. Be young, wild and free this summer. Make this summer count as it will go by fast. Summer 2016, where you at? I am ready for you!