Good Vibes Only

Dang! It’s already happening. The pace. The expectations. The structure and routine. These fall constraints are pushing summer abruptly out of the way to make room for the seasonal rhythms fall imposes.

School calendars. New learning and classes. Re-visiting goals that need a refresh. Shorter days. PTO and vacation in the rear view mirror. 

Yep – it seems a lot of the “should to's” start to re-emerge around now. This has got me thinking a lot about how I might hold onto my summer bliss, and eek out a little more summer slowdown, cultivate a few more of those easy, goodwill vibes even as the weather shifts and the days shorten.

And here's what I landed on. 

It’s not complicated. 

But it is intentional.

It’s all the little things:

• Return the shopping cart

• Buy the next guy in line a cup of coffee

• Push in your chair

• Buy or clip some fresh flowers for your home or office 

• Take the long way home

• Shop at the Farmer’s Market or a fall U-pick stand

• Say the person’s name who is helping you

• Add fresh mint to your water bottle

• Stop at crosswalks

• Offer up your seat

• Smile with your eyes and ears wide open

So I am deciding to let fall and its crunchy leaves and stiff routines tumble in all around me. Mother nature likes to have it her way, after all.

Meanwhile, I am going to try to earnestly hold steady, and intentionally choose random acts that are chalk full of joy and good will that will extend my endless summer even as pumpkins and football scores wiggle in to replace those amazing wildflowers and backyard BBQs.

Who else is opting to take the long way home today?!