Summer is a wonderful time of year to regroup, assess your desires, and take advantage of all the season offers. From flexible schedules to a generally laid-back feel, summer is one of my favorite seasons to spend quality time with my family and friends and plan for those things I really want to do each year.
As the new season approaches, I encourage you to ask yourself a few questions:
- What do you most desire to experience this season?
- What gets you the most excited about summer?
- What traditions do you love and want to continue?
Remember that you can make this summer your best one yet with a bit of planning and preparation! So often, the summer seems to fly by in the blink of an eye - don’t let this year get by you before you get to do the things you truly want to.
Desire it. Do it.
This time of year is the perfect time to plan for the summer months ahead and look at how you want to spend your time. I personally start by creating a list of things I want to do this year and then get my kids involved by asking them to do the same. We include all of our favorite things, from beach trips and vacations to foods we love to eat, places we want to go, and ways we love to relax. You could even bring this list to life by expanding into your family’s summer vision board!
It’s essential to embrace the little things available to each of us while also planning for the big things ahead. There isn’t a right or wrong way to celebrate the season, but consider all the little things that make summer great and not just focus on trips or vacations.
Time flies but the fun is still ahead
It’s just the beginning of summer, but we all know how time flies by so fast. As parents, we all talk about the anticipated ‘slow down' of summer yet realize it can be just as busy as the school year commitments in its own way.
We think we have all the time in the world - but it’s never guaranteed. Life is happening now, so make the most of each summer day starting today. If you’re not intentional with what we want to do, your family’s vision board will just be a wish list and not something you actually get to experience.
Plan the summer you want to experience
I get it, summer comes, and you may think it’s time to ditch your calendar and planners. But we still need some planning if you want to make your summer bucket list a reality.
Vacations, summer camps, and concerts all require planning and registration. Deadlines can quickly come and go, so staying somewhat organized and “planned out” will be necessary. While many events and activities are entirely free, some are minor investments, and others will be the summer highlight that you’ve been saving for.
Here are some of my favorite bucket list items you may want to consider:
- Take a vacation to the beach, a lake, or the mountains
- Enjoy a day trip to places like amusement parks, boardwalks, Longwood Gardens, Mount Gretna, or the zoo
- Explore local cities, including Lancaster, Philly, and Baltimore
- Tour desired colleges if your family is in that phase of life
- Go camping, build campfires, enjoy outdoor dining by the water, or have a picnic
- Go paddleboarding, surfing, bike riding, and trail hiking
- Our family creates a summer music playlist and adds to it each year. This brings back SO many memories!
- Set up outdoor movies in the backyard
- Indulge in ice cream, smores, summer-fresh produce, iced tea, sweet corn, and other seasonal treats
- Organize a yard sale and enjoy the chance to declutter and create space
Challenge yourself in new ways
The summer is also a great time to work towards new goals and embrace your schedule in a way that supports any desired changes in your life. For example, you may want to change up your workout routine or frequent a space where you can practice a hobby.
Along with your summer bucket list, a summer list of challenges or goals for yourself can be a fun way to mix up your regular days.
- Visit X amount of new places
- Run X amount of miles a day
- Connect with X amount of friends you haven’t seen
- Commit to a hobby you’ve been talking about
- Sign up for a 5k or tough mudder
- Create 5 new healthy meals to rotate into your summer menu
Make this summer your favorite one yet!
With a little thought and intentional planning, you can create a summer full of the experiences you and your family want to enjoy this season. The experiences you enjoy today will create memories that last a lifetime.
And remember, everyone’s summer bucket list is personal and unique to their own needs and desires, so be sure to prioritize the things YOU love and make it a summer you’ll never forget!
Holly Mann
Holly Mann
Personal Success Coach
Founder of Fresh Habits: freshhabits.net
I am on a mission to facilitate meaningful conversations that encourage individuals to upgrade and expand their habits and routines which will ultimately allow them to live life at their fullest potential!
