Summertime Blues

 

    As spring fast approaches here in the Northeast, I can’t help feel a bit of dread that summer will be here. I always had a love-hate relationship with summertime. You would think that as someone who’s family is from the Dominican Republic I would love this time of year, but I can’t find myself to do so completely. There is much to look forward to in the summer, such as no school, vacations, no extreme snow at least where I am to make driving more difficult than it already is, and a lot of people seem to be in a better mood. But I find myself not feeling as enthusiastic as my peers.

    I don’t do well in the extreme heat and it actually makes me feel less energized, especially under a long period of intense sunlight. I have always preferred the night and at least summer nights tend to be pleasant, except when the humidity refuses to lower down and you still feel like you are dying. I often wonder if my attitude towards summer has anything to do with me being a very introverted person. Spring and summer are often seen as the “seasons of the extrovert”, while autumn and winter are the “seasons of the introvert”. It doesn’t bother me until I am at work and notice how my coworkers are always talking about what they are going to do for the summer, with them being outside and socializing more than usual. 

    At times one can’t help but to feel like there is something wrong with oneself for not getting this sudden burst of energy to do all these activities. I also struggled a lot with my body image growing up. Shorts were something I never really wore up until now in my mid 20s. Growing up in a Latino household has you bombarded with news from all over the place about all the harmful things that happen to Latina women, especially at the hands of men. But instead of questioning the mens’ behaviors and actions, it’s us women who are told to avoid dressing in a certain way to avoid such things from happening! 

    Such “advices” are confusing and put to the test when it’s time for summer. So it’s my fault for wearing shorts in this weather?! After all this time I had enough and decided to finally wear shorts and not feel ashamed for my body. It’s a work in progress, but I do feel better than I did in the past summers. I even decided to work on some projects to help me face this impending season. 

    Some of these projects include trying to see if I can plant some flowers this year, improve my art skills, and hopefully set up my Etsy shop. There is also the concept of “Summer-ween” for us Halloween lovers to experiment with. As the weather continues to rise I’ll try to not let other people convince me into believing there is something wrong with the way I spend my summer. I have to remind myself that it’s my life and I do whatever I want! If you are someone going through anything similar as me, Don’t worry! You are not alone and you should focus on what makes you happy. Til next time my ghouls!