"Hot girl summer is about just being you, just having fun. It’s turning up, driving the boat and not giving a damn about what nobody’s saying." - Urban Dictonary.com

Guys. I went to my first patio last week. This was not just any patio, it was a busy (socially-distanced, of course) high class rooftop patio. I know this may not seem like a monumental task to many of you because - hey, it's summer and the patios are now open! But this was a big deal for someone with anxiety. Like many of you, I have spent the past few months in fear of a virus, in fear of being near people and in fear of the end of the world. My COVID anxiety (and fear of the world ending) was doomed to ruin my summer. But in reality, should it?
Well, fear is inevitable and valid, I mean - were living in a god-damn pandemic. Rightfully so, this fear has kept me from doing all the summer things. Going for runs on my favourite lakeshore paths, traveling to busy beaches or other summer spots to tan & swim, being with family outside of my security bubble, socializing with friends while sipping wine at a restaurant or bar and going on fun dates with potential suitors. These are the things that make my 30 something "hot girl summer" a normal one. To be honest - this COVID anxiety was stopping me from living my best life. Here's the thing though, it was stopping me from living my very best life, but it wasn't stopping me from living my life.
If we sit in fear everyday without enjoying the things that make life worth living - then what the hell is the point? I'm not saying go out and spread your germs everywhere, kissing and hugging everyone in sight. I'm trying to bring home the fact that you can't just sit on your couch, devour the news and stop living because of this pandemic. You've got to embrace where we're at, be grateful for what we do have and more importantly, keep yourself and your people safe. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your happiness by removing all the things that give you joy. Let's be real - your mental health is at stake here.
Go to that new restaurant you want to try, sign up for that outdoor boot camp, get on that app and confirm that socially - distanced date, meet your girlfriends for a wine night on a patio, swim in the lake (you won't get COVID in there) - do all the things you want to do. Just be sure to do them safely by bringing your mask and hand sanitizer. You'd be surprised at your appreciation for life and the extreme gratitude you'll have for people & experiences in general. I was pleasantly surprised at how safe I felt, exposed in a public place, around real people - it wasn't bad at all, in fact it was the most fun I have had in a while. Most people (and public places) genuinely want to keep you safe, no matter where you're enjoying that glass of rosé. So go ahead, start living your life, you only have one - just be sure to be safe in the process.
Wouldn't you rather live your life instead of living in constant fear? Heck yes! Hand me that mask and sanitizer. Hot girl summer, here I come.
Be safe all. xo
Erin
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