Friends, sun, sand, and sea, that sounds like a summer to me. ~ Unknown

*****

Foggy mornings and warm, sunny afternoons are departing to make way for the season that transitions summer to winter. Daylight becomes noticeably shorter, and temperatures will begin to cool down a bit. While I am sad that summer is ending, I look forward in anticipation to what autumn holds for me. Now is a perfect time to reflect on what I learned this summer. Here I go-

~What I Learned This Summer~

 

1. Seeing my daughter in a military uniform was so much more moving than I anticipated.

Tears of pride filled my eyes and spilled down my cheeks. Wow. It is something I will never forget.

2. I realized I love cold brew coffee.

It is much less bitter and acidic and has a sweet, smooth taste. I learned how to make it at home and ordered it just about everywhere I went this summer 🙂

3. If I am going to take a trip, I need to plan a vacation as well.

What I mean is that while I love trips- sightseeing, walking for miles around a city, enjoy crowds of people, and visiting landmarks- my mind and body also require vacations where I am still and resting, preferably in the sun by some water. This vacation could also mean a staycation 🙂

4. Using Uber is a great way to meet all kinds of people you never would otherwise.

While on our trips this summer, we used this car service a bunch and had such interesting conversations. Most were so kind, chatty, and friendly. I also love that with the tap of a button on my phone, I can order a driver in seconds.

5. Dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies just like humans.

My two dogs were constantly itching and had irritated skin, so a trip to the veterinarian was necessary to discover they have allergies. They both take an antihistamine and a prescription medication now to control the itches.

6. After leaving our church home of 18 years, my husband and I have had to rethink what “church” means to us.

We learned through this hard season that, for us, church means family and genuine care for one another, teaching straight from the Bible, following the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), and gathering to focus on the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

7. I discovered I love bullet journaling.

I was always too nervous to try this organization system because it seemed too complicated; however, I realized I don’t HAVE to do it the way others do. I found a system that works well for me and keeps my information all in one place.

8. Spending money to buy products from companies that ethically and responsibly produce items is becoming more and more important to me.

I would rather purchase items from a company that is a Certified B Corp, which is certification of rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. It’s like what the USDA organic certification is for food, and what the Fair Trade certification is for coffee. Some examples of companies I purchase from are Allbirds,  Grove Co., FASHIONABLE, and TOMS to name a few. Obviously, not everything I buy is fair trade, organic, environmentally friendly, or from a Certified B Corp, but I am trying.

Now it’s your turn to tell me what you learned this summer. I can’t wait to hear!

Natalie xo