August is here and while we have had some decidedly 'fall' feeling days this week, I know there is still some fun to be had before we fully shift gears.

Maybe you are feeling like it is all going by too fast. Maybe you are counting down the minutes until that school bell rings and you shuffle your kids back into the classroom.

I'm somewhere in between.

Even as grown-ups we still feel those ​natural cycles​ signaling change. But let's not miss out on what's left of summer!

Summer Memories

Summer music camp was something that was a part of my high school summers. Heading off to ​Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp​ with some of my best friends for a couple weeks was a highlight of summer.

I was reminded of these memories when we were in Traverse City and walking around the campground trails with the shifting sand under my feet (and getting into everything we own).

Remembering feeling torn between the excitement of 2 weeks away from home with my friends and the pull of homesick and missing the familiar. What I didn't realize at the time was how much those camp experiences were shaping me as person, how much this was a period of personal growth.

Know Yourself

During those two weeks at summer camp, I got to spend my days focused on learning new music, reconnecting with and making new camp friends and enjoying a version of independence. Even though we were all wearing the required camp uniform, finding ways to let our self-expression shine through. I didn’t realize it at the time, but it was teaching me so much and shaping how I show up in the world even today.

Spending time where creativity and expression was encouraged, I felt like I was in my home away from home. I mean, flimsy shower curtains in the communal bathroom aside, it was a supportive container for personal growth. Figuring out how to navigate being a leader, quickly building a sense of community within our cabin and understanding how shared interests and experiences can create quick friendships.

And learning that sometimes there are things that only camp friends can understand. Because you just had to be there.

What is an experience that you influenced who you show up as? That created memories that whisper their influence over your life like the subtle whisper of the breeze through the trees? Do you even notice how much your past experiences shape who you are and how you show up? How those memories still with you, embedded into your soul, your beingness...

These camp experiences reinforced my love of snail mail. Especially in the days before email, and long distance calls added up (ask me how I know!)

I still have stacks of some of the letters friends have sent over the years. Even if I don’t pull them out very often, I love knowing that I have them tucked away. They act like a foundation of who I am deep down. That the younger version of me is still alive and well within me. The me that was somehow lighter, unburdened with the weight of adulting. Having tangible evidence of connection and the thoughts someone took the effort to show that you matter.

A text just doesn't hit the same.

That's why the ​Illumination Kit ​includes handwritten notes, sent over the course of your journey. To let you know that you matter, that I'm here for you as you explore and connect with the deep parts of yourself.

Something as simple as a card in your mailbox to help you feel supported and encouraged along the way, from someone who’s been there. Are you ready to sign up for your own illuminating summer experience?

Writing things out is a helpful way to slow down and take a pause in our busy lives and let your inner knowing share its wisdom with you. To help you connect with that magical feeling and surprise, take a moment to reflect on this journal prompt.

What memories does it bring up? How can you incorporate the warmest of those feelings into your daily life?

And if you want extra support for your journaling practice, download my free guide.

And Firefly, to capture some of the magic and fun that happens at summer camp, I'm creating something special for YOU!

The week of August 28th summer camp is in session!

It will be a week of new experiences, creating memories and discovering new things that light us up!

And best of all, it's free!

​Sign up​ to get on the list and you'll be first to get all the details.

Wishing you a week filled with creating summer memories and a moment of crazy that makes you laugh!

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Stephanie Rose is a mom, wife, business owner and a forever student in finding ways to know herself better. She acts as guide for your own journey, sharing insights, tools and practices to help you remember your magic and live a life that lights you up. Sign up for her newsletter and check out her free resources.

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