Midsummer in the Hills

On the longest day of the year, Heather and I decided to go for a ramble in the Peak District to make our dinner, have a little hot cacao, and watch the sunset.

For me, Midsummer represents a time to be grateful for all that the year has given us and all that is yet to come. Though this year has definitely been hard for us as a whole planet, I think it has also been quite eye opening for many people and has showed us the sweet gifts of Mother Nature, simple joys in baking homemade bread and listening to the birds, and the importance of quality time with those we love.

Like all of us, I have had my own micro-troubles amidst everything else in 2020, but I have also done a lot of work to improve myself and my mental health. I am working on caring less about what people think and thus being more free. I am working on caring more for the planet and encouraging others to do the same. I accept that I will make mistakes and that others will reject me for it, but that is ok. I am working on creating a life for myself that provides simple contentment and that makes my impact on the earth small but positive.

But amongst that, nature has been a great healer and my time outdoors is always that which I find the most valuable. I am so grateful for the suns rays that light up my face each morning, for the cold, moisture of the earth under my bare feet, for the birds that sing and the bees that buzz all around our flowers. This acceptance and gratitude allows me to move into the second half of the year with a fresh head and eagerness for all that will come.

I hope this little video inspires you to enjoy the outdoors. Happy Summer Solstice, dear friends.

Athena x