Welcome back to another daily dose of reflection, featuring today’s Thought of the Day and Question of the Day. If you’re like me, equal parts sun-chaser and shade-seeker, then the summer solstice might stir up more than just Vitamin D. In this post, I unpack a beautiful lyric from Van Morrison and offer my hot take on what’s actually great about the longest day of the year being over.
🌊 Thought of the Day:
“Smell the sea, and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.” – Van Morrison
Let’s be honest, Van Morrison could’ve said “eat a peach, and do a cartwheel,” and I’d probably nod and call it profound. But this one really does hit. There’s something spiritual about the sensory freedom of summer—salt in the air, warmth on your skin, time slowing down just enough for your soul to remember what it feels like to exist instead of just hustle.
And yet, I don’t need endless sunshine to feel alive. Sometimes it’s in the in-between moments—like that minute just before sunset when the sky turns lavender and everything feels more like a memory than a moment.
If you like this kind of introspective drift, check out this past post on choosing the right kind of joy or why I believe a mistake is just a mistake.
☀️ Question of the Day:
What do you love about the summer solstice?
Here’s the truth: I love the summer solstice because it means the days start getting shorter. Yep, you heard me. While everyone’s out there worshiping the sun like it’s Beyoncé on tour, I’m counting down to that sweet moment when sunset hits around 5:30 p.m. and I don’t have to pretend to be “fun” after dinner.
There’s a kind of relief in knowing we’ve hit the seasonal high note. From here on out, the light gently dials itself back, and so can I. Fewer activities. Fewer BBQ invites I have to pretend I’m excited about. More time for cozy routines, low light, and earlier bedtimes for my kids and my overcooked brain.
Still, the solstice does bring magic. It’s a day that begs you to stay outside just a little longer, to chase fireflies, to say “yes” when the kids want to eat dinner on a picnic blanket instead of the kitchen table. And maybe that’s the point—acknowledging both the beauty and the boundary.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:
What’s your take on the summer solstice—love it, dread it, or just here for the watermelon? Leave a comment below or join the daily email list to get future Thought of the Day and Question of the Day prompts straight to your inbox. It’s like your favorite quiet moment… but delivered.