How to Rediscover Yourself, This Summer and Beyond

Summer whispers to us of transformation, of the liberty found in longer days and warmer nights. This season, let’s challenge ourselves: to become not just who we have always been, but who we might also be.

Think back to your last vivid summer memory. What were you doing? How did you feel? Lighter, perhaps. Unburdened. Maybe there was laughter or the thrill of a new adventure. That version of you doesn’t have to vanish with the autumn—it’s a layer you can peel back to reveal any time you choose.

So this summer, why not experiment with being that freer version of yourself more often? Maybe it’s trying salsa dancing on a Tuesday evening, rediscovering your passion for film photography, dancing in the rain the next time you get soaking wet, or taking that road trip you always talk about but never take.

Your summer self isn't a different person. It's you, unfiltered and unplugged. And if you pay attention, it might just show you a path worth pursuing all year round.

Step 1: Embrace a summer mindset

Embrace summer’s ephemerality. Summer isn’t permanent, and neither are the changes you’ll experiment with. This mindset can liberate you from the fear of failure—treat each new experience as an experiment, not a lifelong commitment.

By adopting a summer mindset, you can view each day as an opportunity for adventure and relaxation. Think about what summer represents to you—freedom, creativity, or spontaneity—and integrate these elements into your everyday routine. This might mean taking lunch outside under the sun, dressing in brighter colors, or simply allowing yourself more time to dream and play.

Introducing more spontaneity into your routine, surprising yourself, and cultivating a sense of novelty can transform even the most ordinary days.

Step 2: Cultivate curiosity and playfulness

Start by nurturing a deep sense of curiosity about the world and yourself. What you would do if you weren't afraid of failing? Maybe it's starting a new hobby, learning a new skill, or exploring a new place to live. Approach these activities with the enthusiasm and wonder you feel during summer. Let this curiosity guide you to new experiences and insights about your capabilities and interests.

Incorporate a sense of playfulness into your routine. Summer is often associated with play and leisure—try to bring this joyful approach into your daily activities. This could be as simple as turning tasks into games, spending more time on hobbies, or engaging in playful activities with friends and family. Playfulness and fun can make life more enjoyable and stimulate creativity.

Step 3: Strengthen social connections

Summer is typically a time for social gatherings and shared experiences. Embrace this aspect by making an effort to strengthen your connections with others throughout the year. Organize regular meet-ups, participate in community events, or simply reach out more often to loved ones. Strong social ties can enrich your life, providing support and joy in any season.

Step 4: Redefine your limits

Summer often pushes us beyond our perceived limits. To embody this aspect of the summer mindset year-round, consciously challenge and expand your boundaries. Set goals that intimidate you slightly and commit to achieving them. This could be public speaking, solo travel, or any other endeavor that feels a bit daring. Being daring doesn’t necessarily mean being reckless. Facing your fears can enhance your self-confidence and broaden your understanding of your limits and capabilities.

Each step out of your comfort zone is a step towards the person you imagine yourself to be.

Do not forget to also encourage flexibility in your daily life by mixing up your routine and being open to spontaneous opportunities. This might mean changing your environment, switching up your daily habits, or saying yes to last-minute plans. By staying flexible, you remain open to the personal transformations that each new experience brings.

Step 5: Use nature, travel, and leisure

When you explore nature, it becomes more than an escape. Rather, it's a journey to discovering your true self. As you walk through quiet forests, gaze across tranquil lakes, or climb the beautiful mountains, consider this: What thoughts surface when you strip away the noise of everyday life? Nature challenges you to breathe deeply and live simply, offering a mirror to show who you really are when the world falls away.

Each journey you take redefines your perspective and expands your boundaries. Dive into new cultures, engage with strangers, wander through unfamiliar streets. How does each new experience shift your view of the world and yourself? Travel shakes up your routine and pushes you to explore the edges of your comfort zone, inviting transformative change.

Another element of summer—leisure—is also vital. It rejuvenates your spirit and sparks your creativity. As you lose yourself in music, immerse in a creative workshop, or unwind under the open sky listening to the sea, ask yourself: How do these moments of pure enjoyment influence my everyday life? These activities and small pleasures enrich your existence, allowing you to savor the joy and curiosity.

________________

The energy you feel during these summer months doesn't have to fade with the changing leaves. Each day offers a new opportunity to bring a little summer into your life. It’s about capturing that sense of freedom and curiosity and making it a permanent part of who you are. This summer, start a journey that doesn’t end in September.

How can you incorporate the lightness and freedom you enjoy in summer into the more structured months ahead? Begin by identifying key summer behaviors that benefit your well-being and consciously integrate these into your daily life.

Perhaps maintaining a habit of walking in nature each morning, continuing to meet new people, engaging in weekly outdoor yoga sessions, or setting aside time for reading at your favorite park bench enriches your life. Make these activities a permanent fixture in your routine. By doing so, the spirit of summer can continue to inspire and energize you, no matter the season.