I’ve learned to appreciate my lows. That might sound odd, but without the lows, how would I even recognize the highs? It’s like trying to appreciate warmth if you’ve never been cold. The dips, the slowness, the internal fog—they remind me I’m human. They remind me that joy does exist, because I’ve felt the contrast.
Summer, for me, is always a tricky time. You’d think it would be the season where everything feels right—sunshine, longer days, iced drinks, rooftop moments, breezy dresses. And yes, sometimes it is all of that. But more often than not, summer carries this strange weight. It’s like a reverse seasonal depression. I hustle hard all winter, pushing through gray days with purpose and drive, and then summer rolls around and I just… fizzle.
I see people out at the beach, traveling, doing “summery” things, and I start to spiral. Why am I not doing that? Why am I inside working? Or worse—why am I inside doing nothing? It’s like if I’m not actively outside making memories, then summer is wasted. The pressure to squeeze every ounce of joy out of this season is real, and it weirdly leaves me feeling more stuck than free. And it is weird that even if I do all of those mentioned activities, I STILL feel like that.
And then I get sad about not doing the things. It’s a strange loop—feeling unmotivated, then feeling guilty or down because I didn’t take advantage of the time. I wonder, does anyone else feel this? This seasonal see-saw where winter is for productivity and summer is for internal questioning?
I’ve stopped trying to force the highs. I’ve stopped chasing joy like it’s only allowed to exist in big moments under the sun. Sometimes it’s in the quiet of my room, or during a slow walk with iced coffee, or even in crying through a low day and feeling a little lighter afterward.
So if you're someone who feels off in the summer—even though the world tells you this is the time to feel alive—you’re not alone. I’m right there with you, figuring it out one humid, confusing, beautiful day at a time.
Love yall,
Ale
2 comments
Crazy because I was literally JUST thinking/feeling/spiraling on this! Feels good to know I’m not alone in that feeling as this summer feels a bit off
A very great read, and I thank you for sharing your feelings and routine with us. Most definitely makes sense, and your not alone, sometimes, we are afraid to react to our own feelings and wait to see if we have someone who feels the same? Thank you again for the read!