The Slow Summer of 2024: A Season of Relaxation and Reflection
As the warm rays of summer 2024 begin to fade, I’m finding myself in a reflective mood, cherishing the quiet moments and slower pace we’ve enjoyed over the past few months. Our family is usually caught up in a whirlwind of activities — early mornings, work, school, extracurriculars, and travel ball tournaments that keep us on the go from sunrise to sunset. But this summer was different, and it felt like a breath of fresh air.
With minimal extracurricular commitments and a blessed absence of homework, we were gifted the rare opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy life. The kids went to camp, we went to work, and our evenings and weekends were free for the first time in a long while. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, we found ourselves relishing the unstructured time together.
We rediscovered the simple joys of family life. Board games became our go-to evening entertainment, and water balloon fights brought out the playful side in all of us. We spent more time outdoors, riding bikes, and hanging out with our neighbors. Impromptu dinners with friends became a regular occurrence, and these relaxed gatherings reminded us of the importance of community and connection.
One of my best friends moved to the country recently, and she’s been raving about the slower pace of life. For the first time, I feel like I got a taste of that calm, unhurried lifestyle. There’s something incredibly satisfying about not having every minute of the day planned out, about having the freedom to just be.
As we prepare to dive back into the hustle and bustle of the school year, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. The early mornings, packed schedules, and endless to-do lists are looming once again. But before we get swept up in the chaos, I want to take a moment to appreciate the slowness of this summer. It’s been a time of relaxation, reconnection, and reflection — a season where we could breathe, laugh, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of our usual fast-paced lives.
I hope to carry some of this summer’s peacefulness into the busy months ahead. Perhaps we can find ways to simplify our schedules, prioritize family time, and remember that it’s okay to slow down and savor the little moments. As much as we cherish the excitement and achievements that come with a busy life, there’s an undeniable beauty in the quiet, unhurried days of summer.
Here’s to the slow summer of 2024 — a season of gratitude and a reminder that sometimes, the best moments in life are the simplest ones.
