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Summer often arrives in a whirlwind of activity. The garden calls for attention, food preservation becomes a priority, and modern life adds weddings, road trips, and family gatherings to the mix.
Despite its nickname, the lazy days of summer can be anything but restful. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little intention and planning, we can create a summer that feels both meaningful and manageable.
Set Intentions
Start by defining what truly matters to you this summer. Make two lists: your summer “to-dos” and your “to-don’ts.” Be honest about what you want to prioritize and what you’re okay letting go of.
Write these down and post them where you’ll see them often: your fridge, a notebook, or a sticky note on your mirror.
Whenever an opportunity presents itself, use these lists and intentions as the litmus test. Does it fit on the to-do list? Go for it. Does it take away from time to do the things that are important? Skip it.
Don’t underestimate the power of setting intentions. Having clear guidelines makes every decision easier down the line. Use these intentions as encouragement to live as desired. This simple thing can truly prevent a ton of overwhelm.
Simple Summer Meals
The garden and farmer’s markets are bursting with abundance—fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, crisp greens. This isn’t the season for complicated recipes. Let your meals reflect the bounty and ease of summer.
Think salads that come together in minutes, soups that use up a medley of vegetables, and quick stir-fries that keep the kitchen cool. Let flavor and freshness be your guide. Simplicity on your plate frees up time and energy for everything else.
Streamline the Food Preservation
Food is abundant, we’ve covered that, and some preservation work likely needs doing. Freeze multiple batches of vegetables in one sitting. Break-up the canning tasks into smaller pieces, when possible.
Try using Pomona’s Pectin for low-sugar jams that can be made in large batches instead of traditional jam recipes that can’t be doubled or tripled.
You’re storing nourishment, not aiming for a ribbon at the fair. Keep it safe and tasty, that’s what matters when it comes to stocking your home pantry.
Let Go of Perfection
Stop stressing over perceived failure and unrealistic goals. The garden does not have to be 100% free of weeds. Keep the weeds from choking out the crops and call it good – use the extra time for rest or fun.
No one has to make a wreath for every summer occasion, it’s okay to buy a card instead of making one for the wedding, etc.
Do what’s important and skip what isn’t – this is a personal choice, don’t let Pinterest, social media, or the neighbor dictate what is important. Choose wisely and for yourself.
Rest
We live in a culture that praises hustle, even during the sunniest months. But constant busyness isn’t natural or necessary.
Rest is a powerful act of resistance. Sit on the porch with a cold drink, take a walk without a destination, nap under a tree. Build up your rest muscle. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
Connect to Loved Ones
This is not about attending obligatory weddings or family reunions. Spend time with important people. Actual face-to-face, in person time. Leave the smartphone at home or in a pocket.
No social media, simply get social. Have coffee, share a potluck meal, go for a hike, read preschool books about summer with the small children, gather with people you love and who love you. Soak up the inspiration and joy that comes from time with special people.
Revel in the Season
Depending on the location summer is either glorious or miserably hot and humid. I get it, we all have different summers based on geographic location. Still, summer is unique and has special qualities, indulge in them.
Go on a hike, swim in the lake, tour the cave. Simply, get outside and enjoy the natural world. There is nothing like getting outside to calm the brain and rejuvenate the body.
As summer unfolds, remember: you don’t need to do it all to make it meaningful. Set your intentions, protect your peace, and follow what feels right for you. With a little planning and a whole lot of heart, a simple, satisfying summer is entirely within reach.
I love your suggestions here – so grounded and encouraging and that makes for lastingly inspirational – thank you! I discovered your blog via Joybilee Farm and am so pleased I did. Wishing you many simple summer days that refresh body, mind and spirit. Elizabeth x
Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello! Glad to ‘meet’ you!
Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves don’t we? This summer has been different for me – busy, yes, but I think more balanced and restful too. Your suggestions, although simple, really do make a big difference in how we move through the season. Thank you for the reminder and inspiration.
when you find out your husband has a huge heart problem, it changes your perspective on things real fast. We are sitting on the porch more, reading our bible together and deciding whats really important. if the grass is not all perfect, o.k. a few weeds in the garden is o.k. also. having a nice dinner together is more important.take time to count your blessings and smell the astilbe. It smells wonderful. love your blog. hope you get some warm weather soon
My daughter keeps getting me down to the river to keep an eye on her while she swims and I finally realized she was having way more fun in the water than I was having sweltering on the shore! I haven’t taken time to swim in years, I don’t even own a suit anymore, but we’ve been having fun paddling around up and down the river. We count crawdads, watch for snakes, marvel at all the fossil rocks we find, and generally have a good time doing nothing much at all.
I have NEVER been a fan of summer and can’t claim that I’m converted to its charms, but those dips in the river with my daughter have not only cooled me off, but slowed me down during a season when I’m usually just cranky from the heat. Kids know stuff, especially how to have some simple fun.
Great article, as always!