“Don’t linger in the past too much; focus on the present.” A phrase that has drowned my ears for years; it’s like a vintage cloth that has been of use for quite a while. 

My mind can interpret focusing all my energy on what is occurring in my present life, but my mind cannot help but relive my months of freedom. It’s as if my life is put in reverse as I reminisce about the distant-feeling summer memories. Old and forgotten summer memories appear in my mind, urging me of their existence. 

May 16, 2020, was the day I first met one of my best friends. Our personalities fit like puzzle pieces. He introduced me to a park my brain will never forget. I deemed it the first proper sunset I have ever paid attention to, and I wanted it to linger longer. 

May 31, 2020, served as a blast from the past to the day when I had first-ever reached that level of happiness and positivity. My freedom was a result of my car, my friends, and my gas money. 

June 7, 2020, I had realized how enjoyable and fruitful life could become. 

June 9, 2020, my best friend and I had found multiple turtles. It might’ve been a lucky day because turtles symbolize persistence and endurance. They’re survivors. It could have been a symbol telling me I could persist through upcoming problems, ones that I experienced at the end of summer. 

June 12, 2020, was the day I was at the peak of euphoria. 

June 19, 2020, was a kayaking vacation in Grayling, MI with my best friend and family. It’s on my list of the top family trips we’ve taken. Participating in that trip brought me into a mindset of forever cherishing road trips. 

June 26, 2020, was the day that ended my summer freedom. That night, my car was T-boned, preventing me from driving it. That put a halt on my summer activities. 

July 26, 2020, was a relatively relaxing quick vacation to South Haven with my best friend from the cluttered and busy summer. 

August 10, 2020, one of the most anxiety-inducing days of my life, was the day my best friend had left to fly back home 1,234 miles away. That week, I reached my lowest in life. 

Throughout my entirety of summer 2020, I experienced my highest and lowest points in life. Even though right now I may not be able to get in the mindset that it will get better, I feel as though nothing is a coincidence. It will build positive blocks for me in the future.