Summer Is The Season of Freedom, Memory, and the Chance to Begin Again
Remember when you were a kid and school was just about to end? Looking forward to summer was a thrill. NO MORE SCHOOL! You did not have to get up early. You did not have to run to catch the bus. You did not have to get in trouble for forgetting your homework. You did not have to do homework at all. FREEDOM! All of these joys made summer feel truly special.
You could go to the pool or splash in the kiddie pool at the neighbors’. You could ride your bike all around, provided you respected the boundaries and were home for dinner. A bunch of kids would meet on the vacant lot to play ball, red rover, or any other game we could make up. These unstructured days were so memorable.
You could sleep in late or get up extra early. As long as you did your chores, you could plan your own day — and that was real freedom. Even if you had a summer reading list or homework, you were in charge of when you would do it. Of course, if you put it off for weeks, the consequences would accrue. But if you were smart, you would do bits and pieces so your parents would not nag you. This independence even extended to responsibility.
If you were old enough, you could make some extra money by doing errands for the neighbors or babysitting. You were especially popular if you had taken the CPR class offered by the local firehouse. These experiences gradually showed us what being independent meant.
I often wondered how my parents viewed summer. Now I know. Summer is just another workday. Adults do not get summers off — unless you are a teacher, and even then, you often need extra work to pay the bills. Wow. Being a grown‑up is no fun. The pace of work does not really change. If I were in charge, I would give everyone summers off. Actually, Europe has a great idea. They often take August off and, if necessary, close up shop to go on holiday. That is the spirit. It makes me think about how we all need a break now and then.
Everyone needs to experience some freedom and recharge. Summer is the perfect time to review your year and make plans for changes and improvements. Perhaps you cannot take the summer off. Still, taking time to review the year and plan for the next phase of your life is important. Everyone needs time to recharge and dream. So even if it is not the carefree days of childhood, you can create your own moments of pause.
Find a moment to recharge, reflect, and dream — preferably with a lovely view.
For more reflections on memory, renewal, and the psychology of seasonal transitions, explore articles on Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.
If you are navigating life transitions, burnout, or the need for renewed purpose, therapy can offer clarity and grounding. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support reflection, resilience, and emotional well‑being.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
