A few years ago we did an Al Pacino movie marathon. We watched quite a few of the movies he starred in when he was much younger. Not just the Godfather series or Devil's Advocate, but ...And Justice for All and Dog Day Afternoon.

When I saw the title I had no idea what that related to. Dog Day Afternoon sounds like a walk in the park with your favourite furry canine, or maybe a cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs in someone's backyard?

Nope. The dog days of summer — not quite that either. In the northern hemisphere we hit those around August, sometimes as early as July. Those are the days when plants turn yellow, trees fade to dull green, chickens hide in the shade, and the furry and clothes-wearing creatures look for ways to stay cool.

Some people flee the heat — they go indoors and take long siestas, only coming out when the sun has truly set — something we experienced firsthand living in the Middle East.

Others take shelter at resorts with blue pools or beach access to the waters.

Our evenings turn into late night dinners, as no one really feels like having an evening meal with your shirt stuck to your back.

These dog days of summer feel like they will never end. The focus is on reserving energy and not overheating if you can help it.

However, these are also the lush days of watermelon, peaches and tomatoes, cucumbers and the first bunches of grapes beginning to ripen. The investment of spring and the work of early summer is starting to pay its returns in the height of summer, preparing for the harvests of autumn.

These dog days of summer may be long and uncomfortable. Like many of the things we do because we know they are good for us — the walk, the gym, the extra glass of water, the one less cookie off the tray, the paying off of debt and saying no to impulse buying.

The dog days of summer are a promise. That perseverance will be rewarded. And that all the seasons eventually change.

Enjoy your Journey!

Listen to the latest episode of the podcast on your favourite app!

If you were forwarded this email, click here to sign up and start receiving the newsletter directly in your inbox.

M's book 'Take Back Time' is available for sale on Amazon as both Paper back and Kindle. Remember to leave a review!