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Here in the Midwest, summer is a season we long for all winter long. And when it finally arrives, it can feel like it’s almost over just as we’re getting into the swing of things. It comes and goes in an elusive way and, before we know it, we find ourselves back in January craving warmer temps again. Don’t get me wrong, winter has its beauty and purpose, but the winters make our summers feel that much sweeter.
According to the 2023 calendar, summer officially starts on June 21 and ends on September 21 (92 days). But if you follow school break schedules, it’s more like June through mid-August (80ish days). And let’s face it, after the 4th of July it feels like summer is on the downslope with all the back-to-school messaging everywhere.
It feels like it’s really not that much time to do all the things we want to do. That’s why I like to create a Summer Wish List.
Visualize Your Ideal Summer
Before I make my wish list, I ask myself a few questions and journal it out. (If you’ve been reading my newsletter for some time, you know this is where I usually like to start)
Journal Prompts:
What do I enjoy most about summertime?
What are my favorite summer sights, sounds, smells?
What do I look forward to every year?
Describe the perfect summer day/night.
How can I take care of myself this summer?
How can I be more intentional about bringing things I love about summer into my life?
Make a Wish List
Once I get the summer feelings flowing, I start jotting down my favorite things to do. I write them all down, whether they’re possible or not. Here’s a snapshot of my summer wish list:
Go for a bike ride.
Have a pool day.
Make s’more by the fire.
Visit local farmers’ markets.
Watch a fireworks display.
Spend time in my garden.
Drink morning coffee on the patio.
Read books outside.
Dine al fresco.
Go to a baseball game.
Enjoy an outdoor concert.
Attend a street festival.
Eat fresh in-season fruits and vegetables.
Cook with herbs and vegetables from my garden.
Go to a beach.
Play mini golf.
Enjoy some Italian ice (it’s a Chicago thing)
Have a cookout a.k.a. BBQ.
Visit our favorite hot dog stand (also a Chicago thing)
Go for nightly after-dinner walks.
Have a picnic at the park.
Visit the arboretum and hike the trails.
Note: Have everyone in your household go through the same exercise to make sure you all get your needs met. Have fun sharing your lists and see if you have any overlapping ideas.
Mark Your Calendar
Choose your top 3 things on the list and schedule them. Between work and summer camps and trips, the calendar fills up quickly. Find specific days and times to make your summer favorites happen (and have a plan B for rainy days). Also, consider what others in your household have on their wish lists and find ways to incorporate their activities into the schedule.
Prioritize it. Make time for what matters to you and what you’re most excited about experiencing.
Guard Against Busy-ness
Summertime is fun, but it can get hectic if we allow it to. For me, an ideal summer is one of both adventure and rest. Take care of yourself and listen to your needs to prevent feeling summer burnout.
Avoid over-committing and over-scheduling.
Be okay with saying ‘no’ to events, even if you enjoy them.
Opt for easy and simple.
Don’t do anything this summer because you think you should.
Schedule moments of relaxation.
Loosen your grip and go with the flow.
At the heart of it, I believe summer is a time for rejuvenation. A time when we fill up our tanks before heading back to into another school-year or another long winter. Celebrate the season, but also nurture yourself.
What’s on your summer wish list this year? What experiences are you looking forward to the most?
My Favorites This Week
I wear SPF on my face daily, but it’s even more important in the summer months. This is my favorite daily facial sunscreen. It also comes in a tinted version. And if you’re looking for lip protection this UV lip balm is great.
I started riding my bike again and just got this cute and convenient bike basket for my cruiser.
Absolutely LOVE this post reflecting on a real Target dressing room experience.
Enjoying kava tea when I need a moment to chill out.
Tara Brach is awesome. Listen to this podcast episode if you're struggling to ditch a bad habit.
My latest obsession is this facial tonic by Evan Healy. It’s like heaven.
In honor of biking season, I’m sharing one of my favorite photos from my trip to Stockholm, Sweden. The Swedes cycle, scooter, and walk everywhere!
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- Diana xo