Reflections from a hammock

Reflections from a hammock:

Summer has a beautiful way of reminding us of things we already know... but somehow tend to forget in the busyness of everyday life.

Here's my little reminder list (with a bit of Italian inspiration).

Take what speaks to you.

Leave the rest.

And feel free to add your own.

1. Spend more time with people who give you energy and leave you feeling more like yourself.

2. Become your own best friend. The one who always cheers you on – even when you screw up.

3. Be kind. Have compassion. Everyone you meet is carrying something you can't see.

4. Make gratitude your second nature. You're alive. That's already something to celebrate.

5. Take a deep breath. Go outside. Nature has been solving human problems for a very long time.

6. Wonder is a much nicer travel companion than worry. Life is one big treasure hunt – you never know what you'll discover next.

7. Follow the breadcrumbs. Life has a funny way of showing us where we're meant to go.

8. Embrace la dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing. It's wonderful, healthy, and surprisingly productive.

9. Live la dolce vita. Open the good wine. Eat the chocolate cake. Wear that nice outfit. Tuesday is a perfectly good occasion.

10. Read books. Have long dinners. Watch sunsets. Put your phone away and be fully present – in your own life and in the lives of those you love.

11. Celebrate other people's happiness and success. There really is enough for everyone.

12. Laugh often. It's cheaper than therapy.

13. Be a little weird. The interesting people usually are.

14. Build a life you don't need a vacation from – but take the vacation anyway.

15. Whenever possible... choose joy. Life is simply more fun that way.

Remember: Life is meant to be lived, not saved for later.

Happy summer.