We’ve been cooking in 90+ degree weather here in the greater NYC area, and it’s had me reflecting — not just on the actual heat, but on how we respond to uncomfortable situations.
I grew up in Queens, New York, where we had two household seasons: Freezing or Frying.
When we asked to adjust the temperature, we’d hear:
“You want heat or a college education? You decide.”
Summer meant central air wasn’t a system — it was just hot air that entered in July and squatted until August. Fans circulated the same stifling air. It often felt cooler outside than inside.
Sleep? A test of resilience.
Communication? A test of patience.
But in those sticky, sleepless summers, I watched how my neighbors navigated the discomfort:
✅ They maintained perspective. “It’s summer in Queens,” they’d shrug.
✅ They made the best of it. Homemade iced tea and stoop chats were standard.
✅ They paused. The front stoop was a haven for listening, chatting, just being.
✅ They protected their energy. Chronic complainers? They kept their distance.
✅ They adjusted. Early risers became earlier risers to enjoy what they loved.
These small, adaptive habits are just as relevant today — in heatwaves or high-pressure workweeks.
☀️ How do you stay centered and connected during stressful times?
Let’s share strategies — bonus points if they involve iced tea.
#Resilience #Communication #MindsetMatters #Leadership #NYCSummers #EmotionalIntelligence #Storytelling #QueensNative