August Is Still Summer: A Reminder to Savor What’s Here

And just like that, August is here.

There is something about turning the calendar to August that feels a little bittersweet. Summer isn’t over—not even close—but August has a way of reminding us that it won’t last forever.

Here in Illinois, August is still very much summer. The days are warm, sometimes REALLY warm. The cicadas are loud. Gardens are overflowing. Farmers markets are filled with sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, watermelon, and all the wonderful flavors of the season.

There are festivals, outdoor concerts, fests, and neighborhood gatherings. Families are squeezing in those last vacations and weekend getaways, while stores are already filled with school supplies and reminders that another school year is right around the corner.

August seems to live somewhere between “there is still plenty of summer left” and “where did summer go?”

And maybe that’s exactly why I like it.

The Month That Reminds Us to Notice.

By August, summer doesn’t feel quite as endless as it did in June.

The sun begins setting a little earlier. Back-to-school conversations start happening in some families. Calendars begin filling up again. And although the trees are still green, every once in a while nature gives us the tiniest hint that another season is waiting.

But we aren’t there yet.

It’s still summer.

There are still evenings meant for sitting outside. There are still walks to take while the sun hangs low in the sky. There are still dinners on patios, spontaneous ice cream stops, farmers markets to wander through, flowers to admire, friends to meet, and mornings when a cup of coffee tastes especially good outside.

There are still moments to savor.

Don’t Rush Into the Next Season.

We humans have an interesting habit of always looking ahead.

Before Christmas arrives, we’re thinking about New Year’s. Before winter is over, we’re dreaming about spring. By August, pumpkin everything starts appearing, and suddenly we’re mentally decorating for fall while summer is standing right in front of us saying, “I’m still here!”

Maybe August can be our reminder not to rush.

We don’t have to move into the next season before it arrives.

There will be plenty of time for sweaters, colorful leaves, pumpkins, cooler mornings, and everything beautiful about fall.

For now, there is August.

There are warm evenings and blue skies. Fresh sweet corn and juicy watermelon, like the one we had tonight. Bare feet and open windows. Outdoor dinners and weekend adventures. Long walks and conversations that stretch past sunset.

And there are ordinary days.

Those might be the ones worth paying the most attention to.

Savor What Is Still Here.

August reminds me that knowing something won’t last forever doesn’t have to make us sad.

Maybe it can make us more present.

Instead of counting how many weekends of summer are left, we can simply enjoy this one.

Instead of saying, “Summer went too fast,” we can ask ourselves, “How can I enjoy the summer that is still here?”

Maybe it’s taking your coffee outside tomorrow morning. I invite you to do that, it’s awesome!

Maybe it’s calling a friend and meeting for dinner on a patio.

Maybe it’s going for an evening walk, visiting a farmers market, watching the sunset, taking a spontaneous day trip, or sitting outside doing absolutely nothing at all.

It doesn’t have to be extraordinary.

Some of the best moments rarely are.

So, hello, August. ❤️

I’m not rushing you.

I’m not counting down to fall.

I’m going to try to notice you while you’re here—to savor the warm days, the long evenings, the people around me, and all those ordinary little moments that someday may become the memories I treasure most.

What is one thing you want to make sure you slow down and enjoy before summer comes to an end? ☀️🌻