Make a choice today to look at the calendar and notice that it's August. We are in the 8 th month of 2005 – how aware are you that summer is passing quickly? The weather has been warm, and all of your senses remind you of that. But have you released the part of you that longs for no responsibility other than to go outside and play?

We have become obsessed with productivity and schedules, demands placed upon us and the demands we have of others. While the sun hangs high and heavy in the sky and bugs seem to fly with complete abandon all around us, we work. We perform.

Well, what kind of grade would you give yourself for your ability to play and how important is play to you? What will it take to make the choice to breathe and go outside and smell that warm summer air? What will it take to walk away from the high expectations you are placing on yourself, to take a short walk from the calendar that is holding you hostage, to see yourself as a person with the space to relax and play?

Would you choose to play if the reward was that you would be more productive and have greater access to your creativity? Maybe you wouldn't take yourself so seriously for just a little while. Imagine your spirit being rejuvenated after a playful time, and your clients or co-workers suddenly welcoming you because your stress level appeared to be so much lower. Imagine the impact that your choosing playtime would have on all the relationships in which you participate.

Intentional August – only you can make the choice to go outside and welcome late summer and all that it offers. The rewards are great.

-Caryn