2. Take a moment to describe a specific natural setting or moment in nature that deeply moved me this summer. How did it make me feel, and what lessons can I carry forward from this experience?

3. What were the biggest challenges I faced this summer, and how did I overcome them? In what ways did these challenges contribute to my personal growth and resilience?

4. Reflect on the meaningful connections I made with family and friends this summer. How did these relationships enrich my life, and what can I do to nurture these bonds moving forward?

5. What new hobbies, interests, or skills did I explore or develop this summer? How did these discoveries contribute to my sense of self and personal fulfillment?

6. Describe a moment of rest and rejuvenation that stands out from this summer. How did I prioritize self-care, and what practices can I continue to incorporate into my daily routine?

7. Did I take any risks or seize opportunities that pushed me out of my comfort zone this summer? How did these experiences shape my perspective on courage and personal growth?

8. If I traveled this summer, what were the most memorable moments or encounters from my journeys? How did these experiences broaden my understanding of different cultures and perspectives?

9. Reflect on a moment when I positively impacted someone else’s life this summer. How did this experience affect me, and how can I continue to make a difference in the lives of others?

10. As I transition into a new season, what aspirations, goals, or dreams am I carrying forward? How can I maintain the momentum of growth and exploration that summer has inspired in me?

Take these questions as an invitation to reflect deeply on your summer experiences, allowing them to guide your introspection and inspire growth as you move into the next season of life’s journey. Reflect on them introspectively or take them as journal prompts, whichever helps you most.

But as August approaches, and the responsibilities of school and work loom on the horizon, it becomes evident that it’s time to rekindle some other relationships.

One of the primary places where relationships need rekindling is the workplace. As we return to our offices and workspaces, there is a unique opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and forge stronger connections. Engage in team-building activities, initiate meaningful conversations, and be open to collaborating with fresh perspectives.

Similarly, as students head back to school, the excitement of reuniting with old friends and the prospect of making new ones are upon us. Reach out to classmates you haven’t spoken to in a while, join clubs or organizations that align with your interests, and be open to meet new people. Remember that learning isn’t just about academics; it’s also about understanding and connecting with others.

Beyond the realms of work and university, consider engaging in social activities that align with your interests and passions. Whether it’s joining a sports team, attending community events, or volunteering, be receptive to new experiences.

So this week, let the fading summer sun be a reminder that it’s time to rekindle the flames of relationships old and new, and embrace the connections that lie ahead.

Many of us are ambitious, creative women who have spent the summer renewing our health habits, such as hitting the gym, focusing on our businesses and passion projects, or applying for schools and career programs for the upcoming fall. Some of us are finally embracing the present and prioritizing self-care, or at least trying to. However, there are those of us who feel stuck.

Recently, while scrolling through “Threads,” the new Twitter-like app created by Instagram, I came across a quote that struck a chord: “Anyone else feeling sad this summer?” It caught my attention because, typically, we tend to showcase our best, happiest selves during the summer. However, the replies to that comment revealed a different reality. Numerous users expressed a unanimous feeling of being trapped in a rut, experiencing sadness or loneliness, or being hurt by constant comparisons to friends or family members who have the privilege of traveling and truly enjoying the summertime.

In that moment, I realized I had found my place. I, too, have experienced this sense of summer dread. Despite everything appearing positive on paper (two internships, dedicated focus on growing Living By Bella, being back with family, and more), I still feel like I’m lagging behind everyone else.

Your One Thing

This led me to write “Summer Season Solace” to describe the shared sentiment some of us experience during the summer. So, here’s my task for you: focus on your ONE thing this summer. Identify the one thing that ignites your interest, motivates you to get out of bed, something you could talk about for hours, or an activity you would love to pursue if you had the free time.

To be honest, one thing that has been helping me regain my drive is contemplating the concept of death. My mom passed away in her early 30s, and it has haunted me how someone so full of life and purpose could leave this world with seemingly unfinished dreams, like starting her own nonprofit organization. While this perspective may seem somber, it serves as a constant reminder that each day is brimming with life, and the career I desire, the people I love, or the goals I set could be taken away at any moment. This reminder has pushed me to reach out to friends, focus on writing more, and apply for additional fall internships, because each of us has a purpose that we must pursue with determination.

– Bella <3

It’s a never ending cycle: a cycle of upkeep, changes, purchases, beliefs, or anything that revolves around the constant changes required to be considered beautiful at the time. Knowing this, the essence of self-care takes on a new profound significance. It nurtures our inner esteem and encompasses not only the physical, but also the emotional dimensions of our being. 

As the summer season settles in, remembering to protect our bodies and minds from things we know can only harm us, which could include harmful relationships, the thief of joy herself: comparison, or unruly habits we keep falling back to, is fully necessary to upkeep our mental health and truly enjoy the summer. Beyond the temporal facade, true beauty emerges when we cherish our daily lives, which is rooted in celebrating each version of us that shows up for the day.

Let this summer be a testament to the transformative power of self-care, as we celebrate the innate beauty that resides within us. True beauty lies not in conformity but in the profound acceptance of our authentic selves. May this season be a time of self-discovery, awakening, and the radiant expression of our inner authenticity.

– Bella Floyd