There’s something uniquely liberating about summer. It’s a season that invites relaxation, enjoyment, and a break from routine. Ideally, this time of year is meant to be carefree and fun. Yet, I often start the summer with a lengthy list of ambitious goals and healthy habits. This year, my intentions included exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and feeling more confident in my swimwear.
However, true to summer’s spirit, I found myself indulging in cake and sipping refreshing iced teas. As a result, I’ve likely gained a few pounds by now—about five, to be exact. But surprisingly, I find that I just don’t mind.
Instead of hiding behind a cover-up or retreating into the shade with a book, I embraced my bathing suit and strolled around the pool, drink in hand, radiating a carefree attitude. Because honestly, I don’t care.
Instead of slathering on sunscreen and donning a wide-brimmed hat, I chose to bask in the sunlight (drink in hand) until I turned a lovely shade of pink. It was delightful—soothing, refreshing, and even somewhat invigorating. Sure, I may have invited premature aging into my life, but I simply don’t care.
By mid-June, I decided to forgo makeup altogether (thanks to my sun-kissed glow). My morning routine was reduced to just five minutes, and I attended church, grocery runs, and dining outings sans mascara. I chatted with acquaintances openly, without any qualms. It felt liberating. Because I just don’t care.
Rather than scouring my “Healthy Recipes” board on Pinterest for ways to sneak spinach into smoothies or create low-calorie desserts, I prepared hearty meals of tacos, spaghetti, and fried chicken, enjoying leftovers for days. My children were thrilled with the addition of ice cream sandwiches and barbecue potato chips. Our family’s junk food consumption skyrocketed, and guess what? I just don’t care.
I allowed the kids to nap wherever they fell asleep—the couch, the floor, or the hammock in the yard. They stayed up late binge-watching shows, and I joined them, indulging in books with little literary substance or watching episodes of classic sitcoms. I even treated myself to cake for breakfast. Not the healthiest choices, I know, but I really don’t care.
Of course, I wasn’t entirely lazy this summer. I did manage to exercise, but in a relaxed way—taking long, leisurely walks with friends. My focus shifted from achieving a perfect beach body to simply feeling good and promoting longevity. Because, quite frankly, I just do not care.
This has truly been the summer of embracing freedom, and it has been absolutely wonderful. The best part? It turns out no one else seems to care either. Amidst the junk food and relaxed schedules, my kids appear just as happy and healthy as ever. There have been no visits from the food police or any concerns raised by child protective services.
The new, more confident version of myself by the pool is undoubtedly more appealing. My partner hasn’t even noticed the extra five pounds. In fact, he enjoys spending time with me in the pool, sipping iced tea, and appreciates how I look in my swimsuit. He believes I’m just as lovely without any makeup.
Of course, summer can’t last indefinitely, especially this delightful season of carefree living. The kids can’t continue sleeping outdoors and munching on potato chips all day, and I certainly can’t keep eating cake for breakfast or sipping iced tea throughout the day. However, I hope to carry a bit of this summer spirit into the rest of the year—maintaining that relaxed, confident attitude while preparing for an imperfect Thanksgiving and a laid-back holiday season.
So here’s to summer 2021: The Summer of Embracing Freedom!
For more insightful articles, check out this post on intracervical insemination for helpful information. Additionally, if you’re looking to enhance fertility, this resource is invaluable. For those interested in understanding more about IUI success, WebMD provides excellent insights.
Summary:
This article reflects on the liberating and carefree nature of summer, highlighting a personal journey of embracing freedom and letting go of societal expectations. It celebrates the joy of indulging in life’s simple pleasures, the importance of family, and the realization that others often don’t judge us as harshly as we may think.