It’s been a gorgeous summer in New York, with none of the boiling hot weather that’s usually par for the course this time of year.

So how I feel so stressed and unrelaxed?

Over the many years that I’ve lived in New York, I’ve become so neurotic that I have a very hard time slowing down, including taking advantage of summer activities. Go for a walk in Central Park? No time! An outdoor movie? No time! Go to the beach? No time!

Of course, I do have the time. It’s not like I’m accomplishing that much otherwise. I’m well aware that going to somewhere like Central Park is a totally rejuvenating experience. Why do I resist making myself feel better? Imagine how much I could improve my emotional health if I actually took the time to go upstate or to the beach.

Anyway, I just made reservations to go to Minnesota in September. Mostly, it’s because my Mom has been urging me to visit. Plus, there will be plenty of friends to see, and maybe some other relatives. It definitely won’t be a lay-around holiday. But at least the pace is quieter and I’ll get away. Hopefully, I’ll find the time to smell the roses, breath the fresh air, and relax, goddammit.