Historically, my favorite seasons have always been fall and winter.

I’ve always loved the return to routine in September: crisp mornings, leaves changing from green to gold, the smoky scent of fireplaces in the air, wandering through fall markets, wrapping up in cozy blankets, sipping something warm from my favorite mug, oversized sweaters, the holidays, and that unmistakable feeling that life slows down just enough for everyone to come back indoors.

Summer, by comparison, was always a season I enjoyed, but never one I counted down to.

Then I moved to Colorado.

Over time, my relationship with summer changed. There’s something about the cooler mountain mornings and Colorado’s generous sunshine that has made me appreciate the season in a way I never had before.

This summer has been particularly quiet, and I think that's why I've loved it. It's been filled with small rituals and simple moments that have made these past few months feel especially meaningful.

The very best part, by far, has been time with friends and family.

I’ve been fortunate to spend a lot of time on the East Coast with friends and family over the past few months, and nothing has brought me more joy than being with my niece and nephew. They’re at an age where everything feels exciting, and they have a way of pulling me completely into the present. There are no emails to answer or deadlines to think about when you’re chasing kids around the park or listening to a story they’ve decided needs to be told immediately.

Back in Colorado, I’ve also loved spending time with my cousin’s son, Declan. Watching these kids grow up is one of life’s greatest privileges. You don’t notice the changes until suddenly they’re speaking in full sentences, making jokes, or running toward you with complete confidence that you’re part of their world.

Of course, being on the East Coast also meant spending time with my grandparents, who are both 95. Every visit with them feels like a gift. At their age, you become acutely aware that time together is never something to take for granted. There's nothing particularly extraordinary about sitting around catching up or hearing about the little details of their day, but I know those are the moments I'll treasure most one day.

Back at home in Denver, those quieter summer days have also given me more time to read. I've spent plenty of afternoons by the pool with some wonderful books.

Three stand out above the rest: Famesick by Lena Dunham, Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, and Go Gentle by Maria Semple. Each reminded me, in different ways, why I love books that make me think a little differently about the world—or about myself. Highly recommend all three of these!!

I’d love to know what you’ve been reading lately. I’m always looking for recommendations, and my “to be read” pile somehow continues to grow despite my best efforts.

Beyond books, one of the routines that's shaped my summer most has been breathwork.

I started doing weekly somatic breathwork sessions more than six months ago, and I haven’t stopped. If anything, these weekly sessions have become even more important over the summer. It’s one of the few appointments on my calendar that I never consider canceling because I know how I’ll feel afterward: calmer, lighter, and more like the person I want to be.

I’ll write a dedicated post about breathwork in the coming months because it’s had a much bigger impact on my life than I ever expected. For now, I’ll just say that it’s become one of the things that consistently keeps me grounded and genuinely at peace.

I’ve also continued my Yoga and Pilates classes, which have become less about exercise and more about taking care of myself. I leave feeling stronger, but also clearer. It’s amazing how much a single hour of movement can change the tone of an entire day.

And finally, there’s writing!

I’ve always enjoyed writing. Even as a kid, I was someone who filled journals without much purpose beyond the fact that it felt good.

But this year, writing is no longer something I do when inspiration strikes; it’s become a routine. I genuinely look forward to sitting down at my computer to work on a new essay.

Writing fulfills me creatively and, (dare I say), spiritually. It helps me understand what I think, what I believe, and what I want to remember. It turns ordinary experiences into something worth examining a little more closely.

When I think back on this summer years from now, I know I won’t remember every walk or every book or every Pilates class. But I’ll remember how these simple moments made my life feel full. Maybe that’s all a good season really is.

I’d love to hear about your summer, too. What books have you loved? What routines or little rituals have made these past few months feel meaningful? Hit reply to this email and let me know—I always love hearing from you.

Also, if you’re interested, I’d love to share my latest essay in ROE Magazine. It’s about women, competition, and why I believe we’re finally beginning to break the generational cycle of comparing ourselves to one another. You can read it here.

Thanks so much for reading.

xx,

Jillian

A Summer of Small Joys

My latest essay in print