Summer is the time to take it easy and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I recall my own childhood summers: sleeping in, swimming in the creek, picnics in the park, riding bikes, hiking in the cool woods, ice cream cones, sun-burned cheeks; simple pleasures filled my day. No email notifications, no schedules, no deadlines and no worries. Now, of course, life brings a kind of stress and responsibility that doesn’t take the summer off. The reality is we can all use some time to enjoy the things that used to make us happy—and probably still do.

This summer, I am determined to relive the days of my youth with my own children. For the first time as a work-from-home mom, I will have both of them home with me the entire summer as I try to juggle career and family—all under one roof. I can either stress about it, or embrace it; and I’ve chosen the latter. It may not be easy, but with a little planning and a lot of love, I have no doubt that we can make it a summer filled with cherished memories.

For starters, I have realized that summer isn’t the time to cram in more work. Summer is the time for life to bloom, so I fully intend to stop and smell the roses—and I encourage you to do the same. Remember what used to make your own summers special and relive those moments with your own family, friends or even alone. Take a breezy bike ride, enjoy backyard barbeques, pick some fresh summer blooms, eat berries off the vine, skip rocks in a creek, pitch a tent in the backyard and spend the evening catching fireflies and gazing at the stars. No matter what you choose, I think you’ll be surprised how some simple pleasures never change.

A great summer tradition that never disappoints is the celebration of the birth of our great nation. This Independence Day, take the time to reflect on the history and traditions of our country. It makes those fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics and other events that much more meaningful. To help make it memorable, Katie Kavulla offers some terrific ways to celebrate with kids (page 37) and Claire O’Neil captures the essence of summer from the memories of Natural Awakenings publishers throughout the country (page 30). 

As I head into summer, I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes. Abraham Lincoln said, “And it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.” It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life and the struggles that go along with it. But at the end of the day, it’s important that we remember what really matters. For me, that’s taking the time to slow down and live in the moment.

Here’s to a healthy, happy and simple summer.