Dear Readers,

The seasonal change means something different to everyone. Some people love spring because it brings new life and a sort of reawakening after a long winter. Others love autumn because of the changing colors and the cooler weather. And, crazy people love winter. I love summer.

I love getting tan and being on the water. I love how running become less of a chore and more about just being outside or how yoga moves outside with the fresh air and sunshine. If we’re being totally honest with each other, I just love walking out my door and immediately breaking out in a sweat because it’s hot and humid!

This time of year is my favorite but it happens to be my least productive, creatively.

As the weather warms, I fill my time with as much outdoor activity as I can stand, and there are more chores to get done: the grass needs to be cut, plants need to be watered, and so on. It all adds up and next thing you know, it’s time to go to bed and I haven’t gotten anything done. This isn’t to say that I’m not hard at work on new music – I am!

For the most part, I fit in work while I drink a cup of coffee before I have the motivation to get out the door for some activity or another. I might do a little at night before bed when I have a few minutes of quiet to myself. I’ll work more when it’s stormy and being outside isn’t much of an option. I just fit it in wherever I can knowing that, sure, I’m not getting a lot done at this moment but the nice weather doesn’t last forever.

So when I’m out on the water, I don’t let myself feel bad that I didn’t spend that time on my creative pursuits wishing that I were back home instead. Not at all. I’m enjoying the nice weather with full awareness that in a few short months, it’ll be too cold for me to be out and I’ll have plenty of time to fill making more music. Most importantly, I’ll have lots of happy memories to draw from to make that music better.

My message to you is this: whatever your seasonal preference, take the time to enjoy being alive. Your enjoyment and happiness will shine through in your work.

Sincerely,

Achira

P.S. Other things I love about summer aside from being on the water: walking with my family to get ice cream in the evening, having windows open when driving, longer days, laying in a hammock, and finally not being cold.