Reflections on the end of summer

I’m torn about summer coming to an end. On one hand, I will miss all the hours of daylight. I love getting up early – can we say 4 am?. By the time I’m done with my healthy breakfast at 5 am, it’s already getting light outside. On the other hand, this has been a wonderful and peaceful summer. I have grown so much as a person and for that I am grateful.

Here’s what I’ve learned this summer:

1. Enjoy every moment.

I am a planner. I’m always thinking ahead to what’s next. I am finally realizing that all we have is here and now. The journey is as important as the end result.

I savor going out for coffee with my Mom. She is 89 years old and is getting frailer. I treasure every minute with her since I know she won’t be around forever.

I savor walking around doing my errands. There is nothing like shopping in a small town, where the merchants know your name and greet you with a smile.

2. Thinking of alternatives can be useful and lots of fun.

I’m still nursing a hip injury. It’s very frustrating that I can’t do all the walking that I would like. Hiking is unfortunately out of the picture as well. As a person who loves to be active and always moving, this is tough to handle.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I viewed this as a challenge. I experimented and found exercise that I could do. I just finished a 108 day yoga rotation and I am in the best shape of my life. So much for the “no pain, no gain” theory.

My brain is still working, as far as I know. I used this opportunity to research different treatment options, including some natural and alternative therapies. FYI – tart cherry juice is supposed to work wonders for inflammation. I don’t think this is just an old wive’s tale. There are some compounds in tart cherries that inhibit COX-2 enzymes, which can cause inflammation.

This research led me to investigate more healthy eating options. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are my new favorite stores. I have even managed to find some bargains at Whole Foods!

3. The slower pace of summer gave me lots of time to reflect.

What are my goals for the last quarter of the year? What do I want to work on?

How was your summer?  What are your thoughts on fall?

Photo is courtesy of Random Girl’s Flickr Photostream, under Creative Commons Licensing.