over this past week i have heard multiple people say it doesn’t feel like summer, which it really doesn't. not only are cruise ships not rolling on in with thousands of tourists daily, but i have no travels booked so when a friend of mine asked what my summer plans were my initial thought was well not a whole lot of anything.. what is there to do? i should have been in iceland taking bridal shoots at stunning waterfalls and trying new foods, making new friends, and new memories. i should have been singing along with my boyfriend and thousands of other individuals at the justin beiber concert in safeco field. i should be. i should be.. but unfortunately with covid we all know that what we once were planning on doing as greatly shifted.

it sucks, no doubt, but the more i thought about it the more i reminded myself summer can still be filled with lots of good. what better time then to focus on the little things and little joys in life that don’t always seem substantial, but are some of the purest and most vibrant things life offers. its about falling in love with the journey of life not just the destinations. the beginning, middle, and off track stuff is just as important to enjoy and appreciate. we gotta learn how to romanticize our lives.

so to answer the question in regards to my summer plans here are some things i hope to do now that i have spent some more time thinking about it:

continue improving my blog: revamp, post more blog posts, work on travel guides, and update photos

shoot and edit more photos: only way to get better is to practice practice practice

read more: what better way to keep the old noggin working then to educate, learn, grow. i recently read infidel which was a really interesting book a coworker of mine recommenced. it was definitely eye opening to better understand muslim culture. as of now, i currently am reading no justice by robbie tolan which sheds light on the injustices in the black community. i am looking forwards to reading more educational books as well as some just for fun - great way to unwind.

be in nature: whether that is walking, hiking, beach going, or camping i plan to make time for the outdoors. nature and good sweats (rain or shine!)

hang out with friends: i love this one, but also have been terrible and setting plans. i miss game nights and being silly with my peeps, even if that means a FaceTime for my friends who live far

try new workouts and be more consistent with exercising: and by that i mean better managing my time so i don’t have to cut my exercises out of my day when other more needed tasks aren’t finished

relax: often times i forget to give myself a break - detox from social media and everything i feel i have to do to really just sit, watch a movie, cuddle up with a good book, chat with my parents, boyfriend, and/or friend

time with god: praise be to him who is always there even when I stray away. i could use some more time with him

really i want to make this season one of being intentional. i don’t want to live just going through the motions waiting for the next big thing to happen. so here is to enjoying the journey, no matter how unlike what we had pictured it is.