I know that summer officially started a month ago, but I have another reason to celebrate. On July 2nd, I will once again celebrate a God-given birthday. So this month is called Summer of Primrose.

I am sharing this with you because seeing another day, within itself is a blessing. But, it has so much more meaning to me now that I am older.

First of all, if you knew me 20 years ago, I couldn’t have ever seen this far into my future. Who would have thought that I was meant to impact lives and create paths for the next generation of leaders?

I was a single parent with 3 jobs, endless debt coupled with hope and fears. My goals of becoming an author and entrepreneur upon my college graduation was a great thought, yet not even close to being feasible.

I was told that I wasn’t going to make it and that I would never be able to find a job, much less a career that suited me. You see, my praise may look a little different during my birthday season because my pain and triumph looks a little different.

Many ask what keeps me smiling and why am I always happy. Here’s the secret-I’m not always happy, but I am seldom unhappy. I truly have embraced Summer of Primrose as my time of reflection and mental planning. July has become my haven for successful living and I look forward to it every year. It is a time to reevaluate my annual goals, connect with new people, re–connect with loved ones and remind myself of how awesome God has made me!

I challenge you to do the same. Designate time to embrace you, lessen your time from meetings, social media, emails and anything that feels like extra work. Take time to refocus your energy on all things positive. Call up your friends that you haven’t spoken to in awhile and just chat for the sake of chatting. Be sure to get in a few belly laughs for old time sake. Let this be the summer of…..(insert name here)