Do you remember the feeling of pure joy and euphoria when you were a kid and
school (finally!) let out for the summer? What were you most excited about—catching fireflies, sleeping in late, going away to summer camp?
Unless you are a student, a teacher or just lucky enough to continue taking summer vacations, summer probably has a different meaning for you as an adult. What has changed, and what new delights have you discovered? In your journal, use this reflective writing prompt to explore all the reasons you love summer.
1. If possible, find a time where you can sit outside on your porch, deck, roof or fire escape. Pick your favorite time of day in summer, whether it’s a sunny morning or a cool evening. Pour yourself a glass of iced tea, and get your reflective writing juices flowing!
2. Open your journal to a blank page and write “Top 10 Reasons I Loved Summer as a Child” at the top. Think back to all of your childhood summers. What was so special about them? What was your average summer day like? What did you do by yourself? With your friends or siblings? What could you only do in summer and not the rest of the year?
3. Write down your 10 favorite things about your childhood summers, from buying treats from the ice cream man to going camping with your family.
4. Now reflect on your summers as an adult. What are your plans for this particular summer? What are your best summer memories from the past few years? What are the things from your childhood list that you still get excited about? What new summer discoveries have you made since you were a kid? Are there activities or events you look forward to that only occur in the summer?
5. On a new page, write “Top 10 Reasons I Love Summer Now.” Write 10 reasons – small or large—that make you happy this season has arrived. Maybe you absolutely love the parade and fireworks on the Fourth of July or you look forward to the longer days and warmer weather of the summer months.
How did your “Top 10” lists change from childhood to adulthood? Share some of your summer favorites from the reflective writing activity in the comments below.
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