Does anyone else feel sad as summertime starts to wind down and all of a sudden there are Halloween decorations in the all the stores? I have to admit that there is always a part of me that feels a bit melancholy as the kids head back to school and Labor Day is here with the sudden realization that the lazy days of summer are in the rear view mirror. This year it feels especially impactful, maybe because we were blessed to make many memories with our dear ones—our family and friends. An epic summer of 2025!
Every summer we spend time in Mexico, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Mayan Riviera culture. This summer we actually were fortunate to spend 3 weeks with friends and family soaking up the sun in places that are a bit off the beaten path near Tulum and Playa. There is something so transformative about being in a climate of pampering and living in the moment. Every day is another day in paradise where the tropical nature overtakes your senses and awakens your inner zen. We enjoyed making new memories near Playa with our lifelong besties who have been on so many vacations with us through the years. Together we laugh, relax, share stories of days gone by and our new stories of being grandparents. It is the best!
We also spent five glorious days in Tulum with our kids and grands making new memories, and celebrating my big milestone birthday—all together. My grandkids fill my soul to the top and seeing all of the little cousins come together on our first ever big family vacation was such a gift. The bonds that were formed and the forever memories made are priceless. Watching all of this warmed my “grandma heart” and brought a sense of joy that I cannot put into words. I want my grandchildren to have a deep sense of family and as part of that I want them to share a forever family bond with their cousins. The future of our family legacy rests with them and their commitment to staying close with each other. As the matriarch of our large family (we are 19 now) I know that our celebrations, vacations, and sharing family events is the secret to our legacy living on long after my generation is gone.
Time spent with family and friends is essential—not just to make memories we treasure but even more importantly, because it connects us to life, to love, and to longevity. All the research being done continues to underscore the huge benefit for our health if we regularly have social connection with our tribe. We continue to hear on the news how our world is in the midst of a crisis of loneliness. Social health is something we hear more about every day as we focus on the importance of connections—in real time and in real life!
This summer I also had the honor of presenting a keynote address to a national group of nurses in Kansas City. They asked me to speak on the topic of “The Healing Power of Workplace Connections.” People perform at a higher level and are more dedicated and invested at work if they feel a sense of connection to their colleagues and team. It was a pleasure to meet these incredible nurses from across the country and share together our passion for making the world a happier and healthier place by promoting connections in the workplace.
As Summer begins to fade now and Fall has officially arrived, I find myself wanting more…not ready to give up the gatherings with family and friends and making memories together. Summer embodies all the things we treasure—togetherness, connections, relaxing and celebrating the good stuff. But, what if we made a promise to ourselves that we were not going to put all of that on the shelf until next summer? WHAT IF—we committed to staying in close touch to our loved ones and planning regular gatherings over the fall and winter? Community and connection are everything—and being intentional to making that happen is key. The best moments in our lives happen in the midst of shared events and connection with those we love. We cannot stop the seasons from changing, but we can prioritize connection and fellowship with our tribe.
Cheers to holding on to the warmth of the summer sun and the connections that go with it — until we all gather again to enjoy the lazy days where time has no meaning and every day is a new blessing.
Love and hugs,
Deborah
