FEATURE

The Summer of you The Summer of you The Summer of you

celebrating your own beautiful blooming

What makes you come alive? When spring arrived, I watched the flowers as they bloomed. I noticed how they took their time, how they seemed to focus only on themselves as they grew. Now with summer’s grand entrance and everything in full bloom, I recognize the importance of celebrating myself, being in the now and focusing on my growth. This makes me feel alive - just like the flowers. And just as a single flower grows and strengthens until bursting into all its beauty and truly coming alive, I challenge you to be your best self this summer and celebrate your own beautiful blooming.

It’s amazing to witness how nature completely heals herself after a long, cold winter – folding into spring, bringing in the warm weather and drenching herself in the glorious sunshine. That resilience, that patience – that kindness towards herself, it’s a process of becoming that not only makes me feel alive, but also gives me inspiration. When you treat yourself with patience, kindness, and love, there is an internal welcoming to celebrate YOU – allowing you to make the most of your crazy, beautiful life.

I believe the secret to celebrating yourself is to stop thinking of everything you are not, and start thinking of everything you are. The goal is to embrace who you are and let go of who you think you are supposed to be. Small acts of kindness and love towards yourself are important. Buy yourself fresh flowers, go for a walk, eat that dessert. Feel good about who you see in the mirror, show yourself some grace, and smile.

Don’t get me wrong, life is far from perfect all of the time. You are allowed to feel and process whatever emotions come to you. It’s ok to hurt, to anger, to feel down – allow yourself time to process your feelings, but then let the healing begin. Likewise, when life is at its best, celebrate and appreciate! Take the time to notice the beauty around you. Put down your phone, savour that glass of sweet iced tea, feel the warmth of the sunshine – notice the joy of these ordinary moments. Learn to simply be here in the NOW.

Again, what makes you come alive? If you don’t know, that’s ok. We all grow and bloom in our own time. The process is all part of the journey to being your best self and celebrate your own beautiful blooming. Z

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.”

- Brené Brown, Public Speaker