With the arrival of September, (Canadian) summer is considered to be over, and with it, my hot boys’ summer. Is it, like the notorious Jason Kenney said, “the best summer ever”? Not quite. However, it’s quite an epic one. For that, I am grateful. As I am disembarking on a new (and somewhat exciting/terrifying) chapter of my life and my career today, I’d like to take a look back and “count my blessings” on the great things that happened this summer.
This is the summer of family. This is probably the summer when we, as a family, made a conscious effort to spend a lot of time together. Mochi, the mischievous puppy, helped. Also, our multiple trips to assist with mom and Grandma kinda brought us together. This year, for the first time since 2020, I was able to visit my uncle, aunt, and cousins in Montreal.
This is the summer I embrace “hot boys” / “brat” mentality. People who know me know I struggled with my body image and self-love. For the first time in a long time (ironically as close to being 40 as I am), I feel confident, and content, with where I am at in terms of my health and my appearance. That might change. That might not. Maybe I am like bourbon, getting darker and better as I age. Who knows. All I know is that I am content and grateful with myself, which is more than I have ever had most of my twenties. #daddies.
This summer I reconnected with a lot of close friends, colleagues, mentors, mentees, board games nerds, etc. I was able to be there for some friends over some big milestones (new house, health scare, moving, divorce). I was able to reconnect and meaningfully be present with them. It’s so refreshing, and soul-fulfilling, to be able to do that.
This summer I took a break. Like truly took a break. I took 3 weeks off in June for my mental health/physical health. I took August off to transition between jobs. It has been great for my health, and mostly my mind. Of course, it’s terrifying to leap into the unknown, and to take a break while I’m generally more comfortable being productive/workaholic, it was truly good for me and my soul. I am so grateful to be able to afford the privilege to do that. In this break, I completed Arts projects (3, to be exact).
I grew and took care of a beautiful (scaled-down) flower garden
Most importantly, this summer, I get to be with the people I love, and I get to sit with myself. I got what I wanted. I got out of a toxic, stressful environment. I set myself up for my career goals before I turn 40. I surrounded myself with the people I love and care about. This summer, as with any other time in the past 10 years, I truly truly appreciate the exceptional life partner that I have.
Things are uncertain, and I’m a bit anxious about the future (as I am). Yet, I want to express how eternally grateful I am for where I am today, who I am today and the people I am with.
To leave you with this post, and to close an epic “hot boys’ summer”, I leave you with my favourite quote from a show.
Pace Fine Arts 