Enjoy This Moment

During the summer, daylight lasts longer, the air is warmer and the scent of blooming flowers makes the air sweeter. Yes, summer is special.

Most people think about inspirational messages during January, when the new year begins. But summer is unique because it brings people together, makes us feel alive and invites us to step out of our routines, take family vacations and spend time with the people we care about most. Children are out of school, running around in the sunshine, their laughter echoing through the neighborhood. During these few months, people congregate around water — the beach, lakes, ponds and water parks. There's something about the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the water that brings us together, that makes us feel alive.

Yet, summer will soon be over, so enjoy every minute of it. I've made a commitment to myself — to appreciate every moment; to live in the now. And I encourage you to do the same.

As you read this, I hope you're somewhere beautiful and surrounded by the people you love. I hope you're living in the moment and appreciating the beauty of the world around you. And I hope you remember that time is precious and that every moment is a gift.