Seizing the Season: Mindset Shifts for The Last Summer in My 20s
Growing up, I always looked forward to summer. It was the one moment of the year when time felt on my side. The freedom to do what I wanted without restrictions from school, catching up on lost time, long nights spent exploring newfound independence — those sweet 92 days never lasted long enough. It was hard to imagine ever having to give those moments up.
Then one day I looked up and realized my experience around summer had changed. My weekends had become extended work days, I was spending more time on pitches than on rooftops sipping margaritas, and after a year of moving back to New York to give this dream city another try post-pandemic I still wasn’t doing anything too dreamy. Without noticing I had fallen into a routine that I wasn’t comfortable in or proud of but had no incentive to truly break free from. I was perfectly fine living in my little bubble of me, myself, and I.
But with this being the last summer in my 20s, I’ve decided to take a new approach and spend time celebrating the progress I’ve made in life while making room for new experiences. I promised myself that this would be the last summer I spent bogged down by the responsibilities of life without finding time for myself amidst the chaos (because, let's be honest, there will always be chaos). I want to spend this summer making memories and seizing the opportunities to experience something new. There’s no master bucket list of things I want to accomplish, just three internal mindset shifts that I’m implementing as a foundation to take more risks and do things that inspire my inner child this summer and beyond.
Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable
One thing about living in New York is there’s always something to do but there can sometimes be a shortage of people to do it with. Friends might not share the same interests, aren’t always available, and as we grow priorities are constantly changing. Most of the time this leaves me having to do certain things like pulling up to an event or going to the movies by myself, which can be scary and initially pretty isolating. Having a friend eases the pressure, helps pass the time, and breaks up the occasional boredom but sometimes that’s just not an option. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable means stepping out of my comfort zone and into new experiences that force me to face my insecurities and fears like looking silly or lonely in public. This means not being afraid of doing more things solo like date nights, taking trips, going to concerts, and even parties if I want to get adventurous.
While there are some moments I can’t even imagine standing in a crowd by myself or showing up alone, the focus shouldn’t only be on who I’m with but on the memories I’m making and moments I’m refusing to miss out on. Plus, who’s to say I can’t meet people and make friends along the way?
Rekindling my curiosity about the world
A core childhood summer memory I miss is day camp. Spending hours each week exploring the world while uncovering hidden talents and interests. One day you could be making crafts and the next you’re exploring an interactive exhibit. Every day held a new adventure that would widen the horizon of my imagination. Those experiences were foundational in shaping the things I love to do today like creating and exposed me to new opportunities like owning a business. The power of play was so vital in helping to explore the cracks and corners of who I was as a person.
This summer I want to find moments to recreate the wonder of the summer camp experience that used to light up my inner child and make her feel free and safe to explore in her element. I’ll spend my weekends swimming, hiking, and camping. I’ll book museum tours, visit amusement parks, and go to local fairs. I’ll even try my hand at some new hobbies like arts and crafts, workshops, or even trying a sport (I’ve actually been wanting to get into kickboxing). The goal isn’t to do any of these things well but to spend time doing something different than what I’m used to.
Engaging in guilt-free expression
The final shift I’m implementing for my summer is to live life out loud and not be afraid of moving boldly through the world as my unique self. Engaging in guilt-free expression means embracing authenticity and letting go of the fear of judgment or criticism. It means stepping into my truest self and expressing my thoughts, opinions, and creativity without reservations. This summer, I want to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and fully embrace my individuality. Whether it's through writing, creativity, style, or simply speaking my mind, I want to let my voice be heard and celebrate the beauty of self-expression.
By embracing my truest self and shedding the fear of being judged, I can embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. This summer will be a testament to my courage and commitment to living a life that aligns with my authentic self. I stand as a living testament to the bravery it takes to align every moment, every decision, with my authentic self. It's a promise to myself - a pledge of honesty, courage, and unwavering commitment to celebrate my uniqueness every day.
This last summer of my twenties isn’t just about fleeting moments and temporary escapes. It's about reclaiming the essence of summer, the joy of exploration, and the freedom to be myself. By getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, rekindling my curiosity about the world, and engaging in guilt-free expression, I'm paving the way for a transformative and fulfilling summer and rest of my year. This season will be a testament to my growth, a celebration of life's progress, and a reminder to continuously seek inspiration, take risks, and live life to the fullest.
