Chilled to Perfection

Written by: Collette Cottingham; Creatively Hip

Summertime is here. I always look forward to summer; it fills me with a peace I can’t explain. I am more relaxed in my mind, body and soul. My stress level is lower. I feel happier, and smile often.

I try to enjoy every moment of summer. I rise naturally early. I don’t want to miss a second of daylight. The summer offers the best food—the freshest fish, vegetables and fruit. The food of summer has more flavors. Summer is the perfect recipe.

In the summer I have a bounce in my step. I actually feel lighter. The weight of the world doesn’t feel so heavy on my shoulders. The sun warms my soul. My joy shines to those around me. I am dancing with delight. Now, this is a recipe that is easy to share.

I enjoy my fruits all year long, but outside of summer, they don’t taste the same. People will tell me they are out of season. I wonder if the fruit tastes different because I am different; the mood of summer is gone. Maybe the problem with my fruit is I am out of season. My mood changes with each season. I know in my heart I am a summertime girl, even if I was born in the winter.

I enjoy going to the outdoor market and gathering my favorite summertime fruits. I take them home for a bath. Then I place them in the refrigerator. I love my fruits chilled to perfection. In life, I used to strive for perfection…if I was perfect, then he would be happy. Well, I tried everything and I fell short of perfection.

Instead, my summertime happiness comes from within. It develops as I learn to love myself. I am a unique soul there really is no perfect. We are all unique. How can all these unique individuals reach one set standard for perfection?

You can’t. You can perfectly love yourself just the way you are.

I can’t cook. Well, I can cook, but I don’t enjoy it. I have tried many things to enjoy cooking but none of them work. It is not in my DNA to be a great chef. I am okay with that. There are many other people to fill the void. I will enjoy their recipes.

In the morning I settle on my patio with a warm cup of tea and a plate of fresh berries from the fridge. This cool plate with chilled fruit is my summertime recipe. It is full of flavor, beautiful color, freshness and joy. All in one cold plate.

My fruits are all different yet they blend together perfectly: cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew melon, strawberries, blueberries, and apples. Just like all of us are different, yet we blend together perfectly. I send out love, peace and happiness this summer. The world would be a much happier place if everyone sent out love, peace and happiness.