Chapter 1: Nostalgic Summers

Growing up in a secluded area where my closest neighbors were my great-grandparents, who lived nearly half a mile up the lane, was a unique experience. Summers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula were nothing short of magical for a child. Many from my generation, particularly those who grew up before the internet, have fond memories of those sunny days.

Our family owned around 30 acres in Felch, Michigan. Our ranch-style home was perched on a gentle hill, offering a view of a vast field that dropped off into a dense cedar and poplar forest. My parents, who were actually my grandparents as they adopted me at a young age, were both educators. This meant that some summers were spent traveling across the U.S., while other summers were dedicated to the family tradition of logging, a legacy that spans back at least six generations.

I earned a dime for every length of wood I measured and peeled with my father. At the time, I found the work laborious and messy, but I now realize those moments will be treasured memories long after he's gone.

For me, summers were also about walking to the river deep in the woods behind our house with my fishing pole and shovel. I would dig for worms to try my luck at catching trout, though success was rare. Often, I’d simply wade into the cool water to escape the heat.

I spent countless days and nights with my cousins, who were like siblings to me. Our adventures included lightsaber duels, daring jumps from the deck, tree climbing, fort building in the woods, shooting practice, and riding the four-wheeler.

Recently, I stumbled upon one of our old mason jars, likely around 80 years old, made of uneven blue glass filled with tiny air bubbles. The lid, crafted from hammered tin and lined with milk glass, brought back memories. We used to fill it with water and tea bags, leaving it out in the sun to brew sun tea.

If you haven't tried it, sun tea tastes similar to regular tea, but there's a unique refreshing quality that might come from the sun's infusion. After purchasing some tea bags recently, I was warned against using them for sun tea due to potential bacteria growth. When asked about using decaf, I casually replied, "It’s for sun tea."

I was sternly cautioned that sun tea can be "dangerous" as it sits in a temperature range that encourages bacterial growth. I chuckled and assured them I would be fine. I successfully made a delicious jar of sun tea, free from bacteria, and I plan to make another batch today to enjoy while reading on the porch.

Here's the crucial question: Are their warnings valid? Yes, scientifically, they are. But do I let that concern weigh heavily on me? Perhaps just a little — maybe 1–5%. Life is short and meant for enjoyment, and allowing fears to dictate our lives isn't truly living.

Did I get sick as a child? Absolutely. Yet I returned to school surrounded by sick classmates, only to catch colds repeatedly. That's just part of life, isn't it?

This leads me to a recurring question I pose here on YouDaimonia: Are you living? Or are you merely existing?

Does this mean we should engage in reckless activities? Absolutely not. Overthinking and worrying about risks can hinder our enjoyment of life.

So, go ahead and savor that sun tea. Indulge in a Little Debbie treat after dinner every now and then. Experience the thrill of the black diamond ski hill, once you're adequately warmed up and experienced.

Life is full of risks, and it's essential to assess them for ourselves. I assure you, when you're reflecting on your life at 90, you won’t regret making that sun tea. Instead, you’ll wish you had taken more chances.

So go — live fully. Enjoy your summer: fish, swim, hike, travel, peel popple trees, sweat, play, make sun tea, and embrace life.

Making sun tea is simple and fun! This video guides you through the process of creating your own refreshing summer drink.

Learn how to improve your sun tea experience with tips and tricks from this informative video. Don't miss out on enhancing your summer beverage!