In a summer mood

I woke this morning to an in-brain concert of Ella crooning “Too Darn Hot.” At 7 am, it was 28.3 (about 83ºF) with a likely high of 34 (93ºF). The hot and humid summer is upon us and I’m not enjoying it. I’ll spend the next three months waiting for things to cool off again.
Two mornings ago, I was trudging across town slowly working up a sticky sweat. My mood was turning sour as I turned pink. Then I thought about all my friends who just love summer. They crave the sun, the warmth, the freedom they feel in the hot weather. If they can love it, shouldn’t I be able to, too?
So I tried it on. I love summer. I thought about all the nicest summer icons – watermelon, shaved ice, picnics, cold drinks, fireworks, seaside holidays, boating, bathing suits, well-muscled lifeguards.
And you know what? My mood changed. The weight of the sun beating down on my shoulders lifted a little. I felt more comfortable, cooler, happier. It didn’t last too long, but I tried again later and sustained a happy mood a few minutes more. Exercising a change in perspective may be the way to make summer not only bearable but enjoyable.
I’m persuaded that seeing things from another point of view is an effective way to change your thoughts and mood. Next I’ll try to apply this technique to my feelings about certain projects that have me frustrated and worn out.