The month of July is one that I absolutely LOVE. And for many reasons …
For starters, it’s usually the month in Michigan where it actually feels like summer even though summer officially started the month before. The sun shines brighter, the days are warmer, and everything is alive, bursting with energy and vibrant with color. For me, it means soaking up the rays as much as possible and getting filled with a healthy dose of Vitamin D while running along the lakeshore, laying on the beach, or spending time on the deck at home after work. July is a month where I really feel GOOD, inside and out, and it plain just makes me happy.
Secondly, July always starts off on an upbeat note with Independence Day festivities. Nothing says FREEDOM like being in the great outdoors with family, the best of friends, taking in good food and drinks, and watching fireworks over the big lake! We’ve even started a new tradition the last two years by hosting a wine and cheese party at the marina, inviting all of our fellow campers to eat, drink, and be merry along with us! This first weekend of the month is one we look forward to with just as much anticipation as we look forward to Christmas each year!
Thirdly, July is an incredible month for road-tripping because the weather is usually more perfect than not. And given my job consists of many hours on the road for travel, I am happy that I get the chance to see some of Michigan’s best places this year as I travel from one place to the next for work.
Fourthly, this month is a month of BIG celebrations. Not only do we have July 4th, but at the end of the month my dad celebrates his birthday and the next day is our wedding anniversary! This year we celebrate 8 years of marriage! It’s hard to believe it’s been EIGHT full years already, but as they say, “time flies when you’re having fun,” and for this duo, there’s hardly ever been a dull moment for us since we said “I Do” on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. I can’t wait to celebrate with my hubby at home before we go on our big annual vacation next month!
Lastly, this July marks the end of six months (really seven full months since January was a prepping period) of intentional goal-setting using my 2015 PowerSheets. This process has been a true game-changer for me this year as it’s encouraged me to make the most of my days, weeks, and months altogether, and inspired me to go after those big dreams percolating in my heart step-by-step with prayer and planning. I definitely feel that doing this has greatly contributed to this year being one of my best yet and I totally intend to do it again next year! After doing this for the first half of the year, I feel excited for the last half and aim to end 2015 on a fabulous and strong note!
So there, my friends, is why I LOVE July and why I am hence referring to this month now as “Joyful July,” because for the reasons listed above, there is much to be joyful about in this beautiful summer month! <3