It’s the most wonderful time of the year — if you ask me, anyway! Summer!!! Warm temperatures, lots of sunshine, and more daylight hours. hat’s not to love!?! Why does it seem that summer always flies by? If only June, July and August could go by as slowly as January, February and March. But it never happens that way.
We wait all year for summer to arrive, and in the blink of an eye it is over! Is it possible to slow down the pace and relish every single minute of this glorious season? I believe it is possible, and the secret to slowing down this summer lies in your intention. Living with intention, no matter what the season, requires you to take control of your life. Start asking yourself what you want to do, why you want to do it, and acknowledge the things you can and can not control.
Planning for Simple
Having a simple summer does not mean having a boring one. Be aware that simple does not mean unplanned. It means designing a summer that brings you joy and happiness. Spend some time identifying your priorities for the summer and all of the things you don’t want to miss out on. I am talking about the things that will completely slip away, if you aren’t conscious about making them happen.
Maybe this means committing to shutting everything down at a certain time to allow time to read a good book on the porch in the evening, if reading is important to you. Or adding marshmallows to your grocery list now, so you have them ready for your next impromptu fire pit, if making fun summer memories with your family is a priority. Perhaps you need to look up the days and times of the farmer’s markets in your area, if you desire to eat fresh and local produce all summer long. These are small, intentional actions that will drive you closer to experiencing your best summer ever!
Flip Your Perspective
If you want these long, warm, refreshing days of summer to last longer, you must refine your perspective on time. Rather than thinking about how much time remains, take time to pause, be present in each moment, and be grateful for these occasions. When you focus on being present and grateful, your days and experiences will be more fulfilling and will ultimately make the days feel longer.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Literally! Everything is blooming and colorful in the summer — don’t let this beauty slip by. And while you’re smelling the gorgeous flowers, take some time to fill your kitchen with all of the fresh flavors of summer.
The wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs coming into season offer a real treat for any palate! There is nothing better than a fresh picked strawberry or peach, a crunchy ear of corn, or a juicy, ripe tomato in the summertime. Whether you are planting your own garden or hitting up the farmer’s market each week, don’t let these delectable gems of the summer escape.
Enjoy the Simple Pleasures
Do you want to sleep in on a Saturday? Do you want to let the kids stay up late? Do you want to go out for ice cream for no reason at all? Then just do it! For many of us, summer offers a less structured schedule than other times of the year — we take more vacation time, the kids are out of school, and some activities take a break for the summer. Embrace it! Enjoy the moments when you don’t have anywhere in particular that you need to be. And be thankful for this.
Rather than filling up every minute of your unscheduled summer days, keep it simple! The simplicity of the unplanned days can end up being some of the happiest and most memorable moments of the season.
Allow yourself to enjoy the feeling of walking barefoot in the grass or on the sand. Relax in a comfortable space with a good book during a mid-summer thunderstorm. Spend your evenings roasting marshmallows and catching fireflies. There are so many simple pleasures to enjoy throughout the summer. Notice them and appreciate them.
Take the time to envision what your simple summer will look like and get ready to have the sweetest and most fulfilling summer of your life