How Summer Energy Fuels Creativity and Ambition

It’s summer in South County, and sure, you’ve got to be prepared for the odd (somewhat terrifying) wildfire. But otherwise, it’s where everyone wants to be. 

At least that’s what we tell ourselves. Aren’t we lucky? Aren’t we blessed? California is just the best. 

Although a SoCal summer is truly inimitable, it’s also not the only place to be from June to September. When I lived in Brooklyn, the annual post-spring anthem was, “We OUTSIIIIIDE!” And we were, almost nonstop, until the leaves started to fall.

While California is summer vibes all year ’round and extra summer vibes when school’s out, the Northeast is cold and miserable for about eight months out of the year, which means when the weather is finally warm, we’re ready to go absolutely buck wild: swampy subway platforms and all.

So, what is that feeling? 

Summer is hot, smoky, bug-infested, and largely defined by thighs that stick together, to your car seat, to the leather couch that you’re suddenly regretting buying. Why, despite the discomfort, do we go crazy for it every year? 

Because discomfort builds character, and the summer version of us is magnetic, charming, and effervescent as ever. Let’s talk about why that is, and what that means for The Creative (or Creatress ✨) who lives in each of us.

The lightness of summertime being 

Sweaty, tanned, and slightly delirious, summer strips us down to our most authentic, instinctual selves. More sunlight, more serotonin, more movement: we’re biologically and energetically primed to create, to connect, to build.

This isn’t just mood science (though yes, vitamin D helps). It’s about that unfiltered, messy aliveness that makes ideas spark and ambitions expand.

Summer and ovulation

If you think of a month like a mini seasonal cycle—which I always do—summer energy mirrors ovulation: that peak, magnetic, fertile moment where everything feels possible. The time when we’re most outward-facing, most radiant. 

Whether we’re talking June-September or that week in the middle of your menstrual cycle, summer is the time to say yes to what lights you up: to start, to share, to shine. 

Here are a few ways you can achieve that this year.

How to be your most creative self this summer

Creativity isn’t usually born at a desk. Sometimes, it’s born on a walk, during a dance class, in the car with the windows down.

For me, that creative spark exploded when I started teaching dance in Southern California last August. What started as, “Okay, this might be fun” turned into one of the most joyful, confidence-boosting things I’ve done: for me and my students.

Every week, we’re at the park together in the sunshine. I’ve watched these incredible dancers grow, glow, and surprise themselves, and I’ve grown right alongside them.

It’s family-friendly, beginner-friendly, and always good vibes. It’s also just the beginning! I’m planning a big celebration for my one-year class anniversary in August, so if you want to stay in the loop, subscribe to my dance newsletter on Substack.

I'm also hosting an online Afrobeats dance class every Wednesday in July—perfect for beginners and easy to join from anywhere. You can sign up here. I included options for everyone, from a basic pass to advanced levels with cycle-syncing meal plans and private coaching sessions with me. Whatever your goals are, I've got an option for you :)

And if you want to move with me right now, here’s a fun summer playlist I made for my students. Put it on, dance around the house, and follow @dancespicee for some quick tutorials you can groove with. 

Ambition redefined

Summer helps me remember that ambition isn’t about chasing: it’s about aligning. 

When we’re lit up from within—after journaling outside, after dancing with friends, after saying yes to what feels good—that’s when ambition becomes sustainable.

Let it flow from joy, not depletion. That’s the kind of ambition I’m calling in. What about you?