july 2026.

Six months have passed. The longest day marked a turning point, and now the daylight is getting shorter. The dark sky presents itself sooner, little by little, every day. At first, I didn't notice. Until the moment arrived when the lights needed to come on just to find my way around the house. 

These small signs show that summer is on its return. Warm days slowly flow into cooler evenings. At first, it is almost unnoticeable, just a little fresh evening air, drawing the warmth of the day into the house. A sudden shiver runs down my spine, making me wonder about the temperature indoors. When I look at the thermometer, it tells me it is 24 degrees Celsius. That is not cold at all! I have simply gotten used to the high temperatures of this dry and very sunny summer, keeping calm during the day just as I have taught myself since June. Adjusted to summer's energy, I stay mindful and save my strength during the day. This results in evenings filled with a bursting inner energy; accompanied by the long daylight hours, I feel as though I could do so much more. 

I love being outside, noticing the oozing summer warmth radiating from my surroundings. Warmth rises from the stones, flowers show their brightest colors, and the peculiar smell of summer fills the forest. Sitting at the table in my garden, I listen to the bustling insects and the fish sipping at the surface of the small pond. Birds are chirping and chipping in their search for goodies, exploring every nook of the hazelnut tree, scavenging under bushes, kicking back old leaves, or visiting the now-empty birdhouses and the plants around the pond. 

Nature nurtures. 

Nature nurtures me; even the smallest amount of greenery attracts life. Life, however small, keeps me connected. Connected with the earth, to who I am, and to what I believe is a big part of what makes life exceptional. Exploring my surroundings reminds me that nature's complexity is extraordinary. There is a reason for being, for belonging, and for giving back. 

I went into July with a head full of thoughts, and a few new playlists as a small reminder of the beautiful sounds I have embarked on. It is time to let go of old thoughts on repeat, like a broken record. It is no longer serving its purpose.

How do we get rid of old habits?

It is time to explore new ways and move forward. Walking with "new eyes" and an open mind, I explore nature and nurture myself while doing so. 

Walking in nature brings me a sense of belonging, peace, and a calm mind. Quite often, it brings insights too. Walking has that effect, especially when you bathe yourself in the greens.

Instead of reacting to the welling thoughts, I asked myself to find a positive note, a way of accepting whatever was presenting itself at that very moment. Not judging, but embracing what is there and being compassionate.

Looking with my "new eyes" allowed me to re-evaluate the situation and transform it into a positive note to myself. 

The mental struggle lost its power in an instant, making room for kindness and compassion toward myself. Perhaps I am even portraying the person I am but could not see yet.

Watching through the looking glass works when you want to zoom in on specifics, but if you try to see what is around that little clear point, everything else is cloudy. Looking away from the magnifying glass is what finally gave me clarity. And a peaceful mind. 

Now isn't that something, Alice? 

My daily drawing, another calming habit, has truly settled itself. The moment I wondered if I had reached my 60-day mark for my second evaluation had long passed. I found myself at day 73! Do I need to say more? 

Okay, just a little more. I can truly say that the goal I set has been achieved. I have previously shared how I set up my goal and what I noticed during the first period, adjusting my approach slightly to benefit my needs. Drawing every day. 

I intend to continue with my daily habit, even as I am preparing for my upcoming travels. Traveling is fun, exciting, and full of new impressions. Yet, we shouldn't underestimate the energy it requires. During previous travels, I found myself taking lots of pictures—capturing all the good things, pretty objects, colorful foods, and beautiful scenery. Filling the days with sightseeing and walking around is exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. It makes it hard to keep my sketchbook filled. Part of my goal was to create a habit that I can keep up every day, without enormous effort. 

Small moments, a small sketchbook, one pen. It doesn't have to take long, nor does it have to be finished, just draw something. Once I start, I unwind and reclaim my inner peace. That is what I need to remember. 

I am setting my intention, here and now: “I will bring myself peace every day, drawing small things in life, reminiscing over the day. I will unwind, and while doing so, create a drawing in the midst of whatever happens that day.” 

The past six months have taken up a lot of headspace. Looking back, without a magnifying glass, I see that I have taken my time to figure out how to become closer to myself and my own needs. What I would like for myself, and how to follow up on it, has been a true journey. 

A bumpy ride.

I crossed invisible boundaries, and now I am exploring and reshaping what I want to set out for myself, making a difference. No big things, just being true to me. Being good to myself will reflect on my surroundings. 

I am becoming me, and I love myself for it. 

How about you? Have you ever found yourself caught in a 'broken record' of old thoughts? What helps you to put down the magnifying glass and look at your life with brand new eyes? I would love to read your stories and reflections in the comments below.