Memorial Day represents something real, somber, and important. Consequently, it is much more than an unofficial start of summer.

At the same time, there is something to be said for the fact that summers as we know them are intrinsically linked to the freedoms we enjoy. Public lands, economic enterprise, and even the flexibility of recreational choices are not universal. So with that authentic appreciation in mind, I want to share three things I’m thinking about heading into this season.

Check them out below:

Revel in the simple.

Catch some bluegill. Watch redwing blackbirds. Flip a few rocks and see what is squirming simply for the sake of seeing. There is a lot to see everywhere else, but there is more than you’ll ever be able to see right where you are.

Roll with the punches.

The lemonade you have is better than the lemons you can’t get. Or, the little bass in the creek down the street will be there even if the big trip out west doesn’t materialize.

Rest well.

True rest doesn’t come from waiting to move. True rest comes from the conscious decision to stop; recalibrating the pace of your body and mind.  Whether you have rod, book, or nothing in hand, resting well means working to do so.