Days grow longer and the sunshine stronger. That’s June in South Florida! Summer isn’t just a season – it’s a state of mind. It’s the smell of sunscreen and fresh-cut grass, the joy of slowing down when those late afternoon storms roll in, and the smell of barbecue in the evenings. Whether you’re nine or 90, June is the perfect time to embrace the simple pleasures that make your heart smile.

Here are some ways to find simple joys in these dog days of summer, to make the most of every moment.

1. Watch the sunrise and the sunset (and maybe even make a wish). There’s magic in beginnings and endings. Notice the difference in the color tones between dawn and dusk. Breathe it in. Start your day right, and end by taking a moment to be still and grateful.

2. Make a homemade lemonade. Quench your thirst the old-fashioned – and probably healthier – way.

You might even set up a lemonade stand in your neighborhood with some of the kids to help instill a little entrepreneurial spirit.

3. Write a handwritten letter to someone you love. In a digital world, few things are more powerful than real ink on real paper. I absolutely love a handwritten note of sentiment.

Select a special or funny card, and jot down your sincere thoughts.

You will make someone’s day!

4. Try something new outdoors. Paddleboarding… Beach yoga… Hammock reading… Camping… Nighttime stargazing… Let curiosity lead the way.

5. Volunteer for a cause that lifts your spirit. Giving is the ultimate sunshine for the soul. Choose something important to you and find an event in your area where you can spend one day helping.

6. Create a “gratitude garden.” Find a spot in your yard, or in a screened-in area of your home, and plant herbs or flowers, and dedicate each to something you’re thankful for. Each time you use it in your cooking, you will be reminded of what makes you happy.

7. Go on a local “happiness scavenger hunt.” Challenge yourself to find five things in a day that bring you pure joy right where you live.

8. Dance barefoot in the grass. This is one of my favorite things to do – especially early in the morning, when the dew cools the grass. It will make you feel rooted to the earth, rooted in your soul, and will remind you of a younger version of yourself. You’re never too old to be playful. Just let go and groove.

9. Have a no-phone picnic. Choose a special someone, or special group, and invite them to unplug with you for an afternoon. Head to the beach or a park, spread out a blanket, and enjoy real conversation, food and fresh air.

10. Make a summer memory jar. Each week, write down one happy moment. Come fall, you’ll have a jar full of sunshine. It might not be a bad idea to implement seasonally.

This summer, try to let yourself linger in the little things. The best memories often come from the simplest joys.

Here’s to a summer that fills your days – and your heart – with happiness.