August Prompts for feeling Lukewarm in a Heatwave

8 prompts for journaling, conversation, or consideration

Of all the months, I nominate August for a rebrand.

Steeped in bittersweet nostalgia for childhood summers by a proverbial lake, August is teeming with a mismatched narrative; claiming the swan song of summer’s last breath while still totally trapped under its sweaty thumb. Not so far off from the outdated stories we tell about ourselves, I suppose.

This isn’t a rant about summer; contrarily it’s an invitation to linger in its stasis. To slow down a little because sometimes there really is no other way to get where you want to go.

Below, a list of prompts to guide the month ahead — may it evoke a moment of lingering, wherever you are.

1. Lukewarm Heatwave

Whether delighting in idleness or mitigating summer ennui, recall a recent experience of choosing to opt out. 

2. Cold Cherries

Cite a source of perfectly-timed refreshment. 

3. “Scare Quotes”

What “needs” are you downplaying?

4. Living in Wait

Identify something you are saving for a rainy day, a special occasion, or an abstract future.

5. Dessert First

Livin…