Can you feel it? The warmth of the sun, the longer days, and that unmistakable buzz in the air? The summer solstice is around the corner, and as the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, it marks the beginning of summer and the longest day of the year. It's the perfect time to reflect on growth—both in nature and within ourselves.
Why is growth so important? Well, think about it this way: just like the flowers blooming in your garden and the trees reaching for the sky, we too have the capacity to grow and flourish. Whether it's learning a new skill, nurturing our relationships, or taking steps to improve our health, growth is what keeps us moving forward on our journey through life.
So, where do you start? Well, how about taking a moment to reflect on where you are right now and where you want to be? Are there areas of your life that could use a little extra TLC? Maybe it's prioritizing your mental health by practicing mindfulness or seeking therapy. Or perhaps it's getting more active and embracing the great outdoors with daily walks or hikes.
For me, I've come to realize that I’m missing a deeper connection with friends and family. I moved about five hours from my hometown a couple of years ago, and it’s been challenging trying to cultivate new friendships while keeping in touch with long-distance friends and family. As a 30-year-old who works from home, finding the same connection with people has been hard, especially as my interests evolve. And admittedly, I haven’t left the door open very wide for new friends to come through.
So, I'm setting an intention this summer solstice to nurture the social side of my well-being. And that means putting more effort into my long-standing friendships and also allowing myself to be more open to meeting new people. Maybe that looks like signing up for a group yoga class or joining an in-person book club. Maybe scheduling weekly FaceTime calls with my friends back home or planning monthly visits with family will keep me grounded. Either way, I know that this area of my life has fallen to the wayside, and I also know that with a little extra effort on my part, I will feel more fulfilled, healthy, and happy.
Remember, small steps can lead to big changes over time. So, don't be afraid to start small and gradually build momentum. Whether it's committing to drinking more water, adding an extra serving of veggies to your meals, or simply taking time to unwind and recharge, every little effort counts.
Setting small, measurable habits is the first step to seeing progress. In my case, if my goal is to nurture my relationships, I might begin by setting a daily reminder on my phone to call my mom – something small, just a hello to check-in. After spending some time with this new daily habit, I can then evaluate how I feel. Do I feel a sense of connection that I hadn’t before? Am I more fulfilled? Reflection is just as important as doing the work!
And hey, don't forget to celebrate yourself along the way! Whether it's treating yourself to a relaxing spa day or simply basking in the glow of your accomplishments, acknowledging how far you've come is an important part of the journey.
The summer solstice is a reminder that it's never too late to embark on a journey of self-improvement and wellness. Just like the sun rising each morning, every new day brings endless possibilities for change.
So, as we welcome the summer solstice with open arms, let's embrace the spirit of growth and renewal. Remember, it's not selfish to work on yourself and your health. So go ahead, soak up the sunshine, nourish your body and soul, and let yourself bloom like the beautiful flower you are. Happy solstice, friends!
What intentions will you set for yourself as we welcome another beautiful new season?
Did you find this article helpful? Join our community for more wellness tips, healthy recipes, how-to videos, yoga and exercise tutorials, and exclusive content created by the Primal Harvest tribe.