It seems that summer flies by more quickly with each year that passes. I don’t know if that is because I am getting older, but I would appreciate for the summer months to last longer– rather than experience the dragging months of winter.

I hope you all have taken time to enjoy summer by doing what truly makes you happy. We are constantly exposed to articles from Buzzfeed and Cosmo advising how to “enjoy” the summer – i.e. “10 things you NEED to do this summer,” and fight back feelings as result of Instagram and Facebook posts consisting of lavish and exotic places (mainly swimming pools with obnoxiously ginormous, inflatable swans). With the constant reminders inundating your phone and computer, you can’t help but feel like summer is wasting away.

I think a part of growing up is struggling with the concept of consistently being a part of something, delivering a sense of belonging and comfort. Before you start to feel like you’ve wasted summer away because you watched more Netflix than you thought humanly possible, (how could you simply resist Wet Hot American Summer?!) remember that watching Netflix, or taking time for yourself to unwind, are activities that made you happy. No, it may not have consisted of day drinking at an exclusive beach bar, but you were able to clear your mind and relax. For me, that sounds like more of a win.

I have to remind myself that I can find inner peace and happiness in ways other than constant partying, causing excessive physical and mental exhaustion. I think I’ll choose relaxing over experiencing the aftermath from a long night out: hung-over with my hair looking like Cosmo Kramer’s, and my face looking like a melting clown. Don’t get me wrong, I will hardly refuse a night out to socialize and dance with my girlfriends– but I do not make it a daily priority in desperate attempt to find fulfillment living as a twenty-something year-old. Key words: Do what makes YOU happy.

If you’re feeling end-of-summer blues, don’t worry–there is still time to indulge in spontaneous summer activities that will turn into cherished memories. Just because others are channeling their inner Eliza Thornberry in a safari riding elephants off into the sunset does not mean that your summer is less satisfying. Surround yourself with good company, and create moments that will bring endless laughter and contentment.