I think I’ve finally reached the point where I can stop resetting and start living again. It’s time to start thinking of the summer.
It’s spring, and I’ve done all the resetting I could possibly think of. The routines, the reflections, the quiet rebuilding. And now, something feels different. Lighter. Like I don’t need to keep preparing for what’s next; I can just step into it.
For many, summer means vacations, time with family, and maybe using some PTO. It’s often a season where work softens a bit, where the pace loosens its grip. That’s definitely the case for me. I still have plenty to do, but most of it will be indoors and computer-based far from my busier seasons of constant movement, office visits, and back-to-back interactions. This version of summer feels quieter, but in the best way.
what does summer look like for me?
I’ve been thinking about places in Florida where I’d like to spend a day—or even a week. Living here means I have options, almost too many, which somehow makes choosing harder. But I’ve realized something about myself: I don’t thrive in spontaneity. I plan carefully not because I’m rigid, but because I want to feel fully present when the moment actually arrives. I want my time, my energy, and my budget to align so I can enjoy things without hesitation.
This summer, I picture long days at the beach and slow walks through parks, quietly observing as much wildlife as I can. I want to visit springs I’ve never seen before—clear water, stillness, something untouched. I’m drawn to cozy coffee shops where the AC hums softly and time stretches just a little longer than usual. Places where I can sit, think, and exist without needing to rush to the next thing.
I’m even considering a cruise though I’ll admit, the idea of being surrounded by nothing but water makes me a little uneasy. Still, there’s something about it that calls to me. Maybe it’s the contrast: fear and freedom existing in the same space.
pinpointing cities
Once I started imagining my summer, I realized I didn’t just want moments—I wanted places.
Right now, I’m planning a weekend trip that includes Key West, Miami, and St. Pete. I also want to explore at least two cities along Florida’s east coast. My goal isn’t just to visit, it’s to experience. In every city, I want to find a beach, explore local art, and encounter something native to that environment, whether it’s wildlife, culture, or energy.
I’m intentionally choosing a mix of vibrant, high-energy cities and quieter, more grounded destinations. I want both sides of summer, the loud and the soft, the movement and the stillness.
closer on the horizon
Memorial Day and Independence Day feel like the opening and midpoint of it all.
I have both days off, and I already know I don’t plan on staying inside. They’ll likely be simple, beach days somewhere within an hour of home. No major travel, no overplanning. Just space to relax, unwind, and let the season begin to settle in.
Maybe I won’t go far.
But I think this summer isn’t about distance, it’s about finally letting myself arrive.
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