Dear Kid,

Weather is a fickle thing. This summer we are having schizophrenic weather. Wet schizophrenic weather. Mostly we have crazy storms mixed with short periods of blistering hotness followed by several minutes of absolutely gorgeous weather.

I am the first to admit that weather assessment is highly judgmental. For every picnic that is ruined by a shower there is a farmer thanking the heavens for watering the plants. I get it. But this is my blog, so “absolutely gorgeous” means low humidity, a light refreshing breeze, and temperatures in the 70s or low 80s.

You might want to hang on to that definition in case you are ever put in charge of weather.

Sometimes Mother Nature cooperates and provides exactly the weather we’re hoping for. More often, she’s out at a Pilates class and lets the weather demons fight it out among themselves.

It has been scientifically proven that weather influences our mood. But it has also been proven that weather does not have to dictate our mood.

Whether it’s the weather or just events of the day that have you feeling cloudy, find a way to make your own sunshine. It’s best to think about this in advance, because when you’re feeling blue (the sad kind, not the beautiful blue sky kind), it can be hard to come up with ways to cheerful yourself.

Perhaps it’s a particular song that makes you smile. Maybe it’s going to the gym or going for a walk. Possibly it’s calling your Mom for chat.

However you do it, find your smile. It’s the best accessory in the world.

Love, Mom