Sunset Thoughts and Summer Musings

Introspection isn’t unusual for me. I am an introvert after all. There’s just something about summer introspection that always feels a little dreamier. Like I’m looking at everything through the hazy pink lens of a summer sunset. The air is warmer, the pace feels slower, and everything has an air of fresh possibility. I think I do some of my best thinking in the summer time. Something about the relaxed season with its longer days and warm evenings lends itself to creative inspiration. For this post, I thought I’d lean into the breezy/dreamy feeling and just write. I usually feel like I need the confines of a strict theme, but today is inspired by sunset thoughts and summer feelings. A little random, a little imperfect, but straight from my heart. Here are a few sunset thoughts and summer musings.

On embracing imperfection

This summer I’ve been intentionally embracing imperfection– particularly when it comes to my appearance. My clothes are a little wrinkly, my hair is a little frizzy, and makeup is almost nonexistent. Mascara, who even are you? As a *recovering* perfectionist, this feels like a dramatic shift. I’ve always been one to set impossible standards for myself but somehow, this summer has felt blissfully pared back.

This is not to say that I’m choosing less or letting myself go. It’s more that I’m learning to be kind to myself and I’m learning to see things as God does. Not everything has to be flawless. There’s beauty in the imperfect, and I feel like this summer has been a season where I’ve been learning to find beauty in every aspect of myself. Frizzy hair and all.

I’ve come to the realization that I don’t have a “thing,” and that’s ok

Growing up, I always thought that one day I’d come into my own and find my niche. I was never the “art one,” or the “sporty one,” or even the “musical one.” I liked a lot of things and as much as I tried to pick one, I couldn’t commit to one particular brand. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that human beings are not so one dimensional.

All of these years later, and I’m deeply glad that we don’t have to be one specific thing. I never discovered what my “thing” is or if I even have one. What I do know is that I have a lot of different interests and hobbies that don’t all go together, but are a part of me nonetheless. So, as much as I’d like to have a cohesive and consistent personal brand, that’s just not realistic. Variety is the spice of life anyway!

What better time than summer to get crafty?

A couple of years ago I took up sewing. I’m still very much a beginner, but this summer I’ve been expanding my skill set little by little. I’m currently crafting up a sundress for an upcoming vacation, and it’s turning out dreamier than I expected.

There’s something so therapeutic about crafting and making something creative with your hands. Especially during the summer. It makes me think of my childhood, when I would craft friendship bracelets with embroidery string like it was my job. I also have this dream of making all of my friends handmade gifts for Christmas. Maybe this is the summer that the ball actually gets rolling on that front!

In the year of our Lord 2024, we have such a thing as glitter sunscreen

Who was the genius who thought of combining body glitter and sun protection? I understand that people may have strong feelings about this, namely that it’s over the top and unnecessary. However, sometimes I love a little over the top and unnecessary. I’m also a child of the Twilight era, so sparkly skin is not just nostalgia, it’s a lifestyle. Will I be buying this for any and all pool or beach days? Absolutely. If you see a disco ball on the beach this summer, just know that she is living her best life.

If you’re still here, thank you for sticking around for this random post about my sunset thoughts and summer musings. I hope you’re enjoying the most out of this season, and that you’re giving yourself time to breathe, dream, and reflect.

P.S What are your thoughts on glitter sunscreen? Yay or Nay?

Xx, M