Ahh. It’s that time of the year again. The time when the hot sun is leaving us and the nights are getting colder. No more times for windy beaches and ice cream sticky fingers.
Now that school has begun, I have been looking back on what a summer it has been. Looking back to those good days and thinking, How do I keep the summer vibes and wellness alive? How when it is freezing outside, what can I do to live in all that joy all year round?
I have found that after the holidays, I get into this mindset where I surround myself in stresses and forget how dout with them over the break. I realised It wasn’t summer itself, but the way my family and I took every opportunity to spend it outside. So as the assignments pile up, I try to make time to go for nice walks and sneak out to the park with my sister.
Here in New Zealand we might not have huge amusement parks and fancy resorts, but we have our beautiful nature. We are so fortunate to live a country where we are constantly surrounded by amazing sights. Whether it’s the beach, the bush, or even our mighty Waikato river. We don’t have to travel far to see the beauty that lies within our island nation.
I really find that spending some time outdoors is a great getaway from your daily routine. It allows you to relax, reflect and rejuvenate. The Waikato has something for everyone. There's things from beaches for people who like the water and the sun to caves for those who like to really explore and get their hands dirty. There's walks, campsites and bike tracks.
I invite you to spend more time making the most of what our country has to offer. Travel. Sightsee. Explore.
Step back at look at life on the bright side. Indulge yourself in nature, breathe in the fresh air and spend time with the people you love, before it’s to late.
This year my family didn’t go anywhere fancy, but being with each other was all we needed. I loved sitting outside in the summer sun with my extended family, eating fish ‘n chips and fighting over the last chip. Playing board games, staying up late and kicking each others bunks. A kiwi summer isn't just about the places you go or the extravagant things you do, it's the people in which you do them with. Hanging out with friends and whanau. Making the most of what we have and creating memories and jokes to laugh about for years to come.
Yes lying in the sun, playing in the waves and hokey pokey galore might be at rest, the opportunities to step outside and spread your love will never end. The summer had its ups and downs, but I’m so grateful for the people who spent them with me. Can’t wait to see what we get up to next summer.