What is one word that would describe summer for you?

For me, I think of SHINE! Perhaps it is because of the warm sunshine, or that every living thing seems so alive and free.

One of those things that I keep free and flowing during the summer is my hair. You see, those who have naturally curly or wavy hair will totally understand; no matter how hard you try to straighten your hair, heat or moisture cause it to go back to its flowing state. Therefore, in the summer, I spend less time straightening my hair, as there really is no point with the humidity and my love of being in the water.

So, I let my hair appear in its natural state. That is the way my hair wants to be.

A memory that comes to mind is of one Saturday morning at the family cottage when I woke up and greeted everyone in the kitchen. The first words out of my grandfather’s mouth were: “Wow, beautiful curls! You must have been up for a while to do your hair!” Actually, I had just risen for the day and hadn’t even touched my hair. My beauty secret was I just slept with damp hair after spending the evening in the lake.

My grandfather made me smile – and continued to tell me that people put in a lot of work and money to get what just happens naturally with my hair. What a beautiful way to start the day, which really taught me to appreciate our true selves.

Summer always reminds me to stand out and rock my curls. Just like we need sun to live, so is loving our amazing selves and shining – just the way we are.

During the other seasons, I tend to straighten my hair as it seems to be the desired look. I have tried to tame my curls for many years through straightening irons, hair products, and Brazilian blowouts but nothing stood the test of time.

Recently, I made a decision to embrace them and accept them as an awesome part of me! They stand out. Instead of covering up my curls or changing them, it is freeing to just let them flow.

We can learn a lot from the summer time and take these lessons into all aspects of our lives. Seeing the sun and feeling the warmth both serve as beautiful reminders to let our outer and inner selves shine.

This moment at the cottage has stuck with me. Many years later, it reminds me about the impact you can have by just showing up and celebrating your uniqueness. In my immediate family, I am the only one whose hair makes waves.

So let’s all let the sun and warmth remind us to embrace the waves of our hair, of the water, of our lives.

Seen the waves lately? Let’s nourish our true selves, and ENJOY!

Thank you for reading and your presence at this beach retreat. You Rock! I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments section below about how you rock your curls and embrace your awesome selves.

See you at the beach!