I just got my “summer haircut” yesterday. It’s a bit of a ritual at this point.

Once the weather turns hot, I want a short haircut to beat the heat. Yeah, I know. I don’t look very friendly in that photo. But, my truck was pretty hot when I got back in, so my smile melted away. 😂

I have a few other summertime activities that always make me feel nostalgic:

• Swimming in rivers and lakes

• Camping in the forest

• Lots of BBQ on the weekends

• Road trips with the family

• Popsicles, ice cream, and cold watermelon

• Relaxing on the deck with iced drinks

• Evening walks after the day has cooled off

• A little stargazing to be reminded of how infinite the universe is and how small my troubles are by comparison

I’m sure you have some fond memories of summer from your childhood. Are there activities you’ve continued out of habit or because they make you happy? I’d love to hear about them in the comments, if you’re willing to share a few.

Rituals ground us, center us, and connect us with others. But, they also connect us with our past and future selves, too.

That continuity is essential for our emotional well-being. This is especially important during times of chaos when the world around you feels like it’s spinning out of control.

Don’t forget to make time for yourself. Work will always be there, but summer will be over before you know it.

Larry Cornett received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Rice University. He spent decades in the Silicon Valley tech industry as a designer, Design leader, Product executive, and startup founder. He eventually left the corporate world to start a coaching practice and now lives in Northern California near Lake Tahoe with his wife and children, and a gigantic Great Dane. He does his best to share advice to help others create their own invincible lives. He’s also on Twitter @cornett.

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