I know what you’re thinking, another inspirational summer post that will encourage you to go out and pursue your dreams and solve all your problems these next few months. I’m supposed to say that summer is here and that instead of melting on the couch watching Grey’s Anatomy re-runs, you should get off the couch and be productive.

This is exactly one of those kinds of posts.

Hear me out; I know that summer is not made of magic, and that bills still need to be paid and that work is not as relenting as we wish it was. Summer doesn’t solve all our problems, and the reality is that a few extra hours of sunlight does little to my everyday life.

Except, it does.

Summer allows for opportunities and mistakes, successes and failures. It’s the time you need to start good habits and try to start getting rid of the bad ones. This summer, do something that will make you smile. Make memories and live summer to the fullest, because when summer ultimately ends, you can recall memories with fondness instead of being upset for what you could have done. Yes, I know you probably won’t remember everything about this summer in twenty years, but why risk being upset with yourself at all.

Take what you learn this summer and use it to decide who you want to be when August rolls around. If you are an incoming freshman, about to leave for school in August, use this time to make memories with the people who have brought you this far. If you are one of my college peers, use this time to move you one step closer to where you want to be after graduation Most importantly, use this summer as a time to make you happy.

I’m not expecting you to move mountains, especially with the heat outside; but take time to appreciate this break and promise me you will at least consider making this summer a productive one.

Also shout out to my sister for being such a Fall Out Boy fan and coming up with this title!