For years, if you’d asked me about sunshine, I’d probably have rolled my eyes and told you I preferred clouds, rain and cool weather. Growing up in Portugal, where sunshine is practically a permanent resident, I eventually became a bit fed up with it. While most people were celebrating another hot, bright day, I was dreaming of winter evenings, dramatic thunderstorms and thick grey clouds rolling across the sky. I longed for those cooler months when I could throw on a jumper, curl up indoors and escape the relentless heat.
What a fool I was. Now that I’ve reached the grand old fabulous age of 50, I’ve completely changed my tune. After what felt like endless months of rain this past winter, I found myself desperately longing for sunshine. Not just because it looked pretty, but because I genuinely missed how it feels. I missed the warmth on my skin. I missed stepping outside and feeling that bright, beautiful solar circle shining down from above. I missed the light, the energy and the sense that everything somehow feels a little more hopeful when the sun is out.
By the end of winter, I’d had enough of the cold, enough of the damp and enough of the grey skies. I was ready for warmth. Ready for brightness. Ready for sunshine.
It’s funny really because my best friend and I have always been a bit like vampires. We spent years hiding from the sun whenever possible. Well, not always. When I was younger, I made the classic mistake of lying out in the blazing heat trying to get a tan. Looking back, I can almost feel the sunburn. Once I got older, though, I went completely the other way and wanted nothing more than to retreat into my cool, dark cave whenever temperatures started climbing. My bestie is still very much in that camp. And to be fair, she has the flawless skin to prove it!
These days, however, I’ve developed a genuine appreciation for sunshine. One of my favourite things in the world is simply sitting outside with a good book and soaking up the warmth. Nothing fancy. No grand plans. Just me, a book and the sun.
And when summer really gets going? Well, that’s even better. Give me a large inflatable ring floating in the swimming pool, a decent novel and a sunny afternoon, and I’m in heaven. Honestly, it’s my ultimate summertime pastime. Hours can disappear that way.
The older I get, the more I realise how much we take sunshine for granted. When it’s there day after day, we barely notice it. It’s only when it’s absent for weeks or months that we truly appreciate what it brings to our lives. Light. Warmth. Energy. Comfort. Even joy. Maybe that’s one of the little lessons that comes with age. We start paying attention to things we’ve overlooked for years.
Of course, sunshine has inspired plenty of music over the years too. It’s impossible not to think of Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves. The moment that song starts playing, it’s practically impossible not to smile. Then there’s Will Smith’s Summertime, which, for me, is the soundtrack to countless warm afternoons and lazy summer days. The song instantly transports me to sunshine, blue skies and that carefree feeling that only summer seems to bring.
So yes, after decades of complaining about the heat and wishing for clouds, I’ve finally come to appreciate sunshine. I still love a good thunderstorm. I still get excited when dark clouds gather on the horizon.
But these days, when the sun comes out, you’ll often find me outside with a book in one hand, a smile on my face and perhaps a giant inflatable ring waiting nearby.
Don’t forget to check out my fellow co-hosts posts on the theme of sunshine. And this month, we have two fabulous new members! A huge warm welcome to Cat and Amy!
Cat talks about her thoughts on sunshine as a vampire. https://catswire.blogspot.com/
Amy writes about her first year of freedom to chase the sunshine in all four seasons. https://coffeeandcocktailsatthecasa.com/
Leslie packed a little El Paso sunshine in her pocket for their trip to the UK. https://onceuponatimehappilyeverafteragain.blogspot.com/
Even though her students begged her not to sing, Marsha loves music. This time around, she’s writing about songs she loves that mention sunshine! www.marshainthemiddle.com
Sally shares sunshine-inspired outfits and handmade jewellery. https://www.withinaworldofmyown.com
