Remember what was fun about summers when we were kids?  Going to the pool, the beach, going on bike rides, mastering a new summer skill like a pogo stick or hula hoop, getting ice cream, running through sprinklers or onto slip and slides, going to water parks or amusement parks and just running around with a crew until it got dark. I still love a lot of those things!

When I first quit drinking, I remember missing “summer drinks,” sitting out on a balcony or patio and having a drink. It seems ridiculous now compared to the non-drinking things about summer I really loved and still love.  But my brain needed to reset—my dopamine had not yet adjusted and I just lost perspective. Now I look forward to everything about summer and almost never miss drinking.

This summer I want to summer like I did as a kid. On Friday we’re going to the Brooklyn waterfront to join a zillion people to watch the fireworks over the East River, which I’ve never actually seen up close even though I’ve been in the city for over 20 years!  I’m hoping to go to a waterpark with my husband for our anniversary. (I’ve been to waterparks twice in the last five years and still love them.). I recently discovered a roving women-only dance party that caters to Gen X and millenial women that runs from 6-10 and sounds SO FUN. I have Rice Krispie treats in the house again. And the summer skill I will tackle is surfing, as a few friends and I will take some lessons later this month.

If you’re stuck in the land of “rose all day” drinkers, it’s time to find some new crew members who can help you summer hard. Drop me a note if you’re looking for ideas or activities in your area. Let’s get after it.