A Subtle Goodbye and a Quiet Hello: Welcoming the Shift From Spring to Summer

By Hayley McDonnell.

It happens slowly, and then you realise you've softly said "Goodbye and thank you" to one season, and now you're saying "Hello and welcome" to the next. As we transition from spring to summer, I find myself reflecting on the quiet grace with which each season shifts, carrying its own unique energy and rhythm as all seasons do.

Spring's gentle embrace has melted into the warmth of summer, and I notice the change not only in the air but in the rhythms of daily life. Spring often feels like a season of soft renewal – the days lengthen, flowers bloom, and there's a slow unfolding of growth, which is much needed after the longer winter months. However, as the fullness of summer approaches, there's a shift toward lightness and abundance. Summer feels like a celebration of life in its most vibrant form, a season that invites us to savour long, sun-filled days and bask in the beauty of nature's full glory. It's no surprise that it is the season that is often most looked forward to.

Much like the transition from winter to spring, this change doesn't need to be rushed. It's about leaning into the subtle moments of growth and appreciating how the pace of life shifts. With the arrival of summer, I find myself wanting to spend more time outdoors, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and enjoying the lush green landscapes that surround us. The air seems to hum with possibility, reminding me to slow down, take a deep breath, and embrace the present moment. It's almost like I permit myself to say 'Yes' more and do more things as a general sense of positivity and openness pervades, reflecting the season itself.

As the temperature rises, there's no need for dramatic changes in the home. Instead, I invite the essence of summer in by swapping out the cosy textures of spring for lighter, breezier fabrics – think linen sheets, soft cotton throws, and a lighter touch with decor. I try to bring in the scent of summer with fresh herbs (ideally homegrown and harvested), citrus candles, and the sweet, earthy smell of a summer garden. It's about creating a space that feels open and inviting, where you can let go and be fully present – relax and enjoy.

In the kitchen, too, summer beckons with its promise of fresh, vibrant food. The slow-cooked stews of winter have given way to lighter, vibrant meals full of colour and life – fresh salads, summery pasta, and juicy fruits. There's something so satisfying about enjoying a meal al fresco, whether it's breakfast on the patio or a relaxed dinner as the sun sets – or simply sitting on the front step. As long as you are outside, who cares?

The transition from spring to summer is also a time to reflect on the rhythms of life and find balance. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of longer days, but I remind myself to honour the quiet moments just as much. It could be a cup of tea in the morning sun, a leisurely afternoon walk, or simply sitting back and watching the world go by. Summer invites us to enjoy a slower pace, to truly savour the moments that make the season special.

As with spring, I find myself naturally decluttering, but this time, the focus is on creating an environment that feels light, open, and spacious. It's about embracing simplicity, letting go of what no longer serves us, and allowing room for new experiences and memories. I find peace in the small shifts, like tidying up outdoor spaces or clearing windowsills to make it a place for summer conversations.

Nature is our best guide through all these transitions. Just as the flowers blossomed slowly in spring, so too does summer unfold. It's a season of abundance but offers a chance to pause and appreciate the world around us. Spend time outside, feel the breeze, and allow yourself to connect with nature's rhythm. Summer will come, as it always does, and before we know it, the season will gently ease into its next chapter.

Here's to the quiet beauty of the transition from spring to summer, an invitation to reflect, relax, and savour each moment with intention and ease.

Reflection questions.

• Social: How does the transition from season to season encourage communities to come together, celebrate renewal, and reconnect with one another? For you, this might be a simple "Hello" to someone whilst you are out on a gentle walk or lunchtime rest.
• Moral: What lessons can we learn from nature's cycle of renewal that remind us of the importance of kindness, second chances, and personal growth?
• Spiritual: What is important to you as you move into a new season - think of some mini but achievable goals for the next season, perhaps relating to kindness.
• Cultural: How have different cultures throughout history marked the arrival of summer, and what do these celebrations reveal about their values and traditions?" Take some time to research to compare and contrast

Hayley McDonnell is a passionate advocate of the just Hygge philosophy, living each day with intention and ease and flow at its core. A former teacher/middle manager of 24+ years, she has worked through several transitions and continues to do so. 

A mother, wife, friend, sister, daughter and so on; despite these guises, the one golden thread that runs throughout is the desire to be happy and live a life of truth. This is where the concept of Hygge takes prominence.

Hayley hopes her blogs provide a conduit for sharing the Hygee lifestyle and the benefits of 'Nothing Much Happens Here'. You can contact her here.