How to turn summer wishful thinking into a game plan.

This is our first full week of summer and I would be lying to you if I said that I love this time of year, because the truth is- It’s really hard for us. Having our special buddies home all the time means my vigilance levels are higher every day. 

Knowing this about myself and our family I began a ritual a few years ago. It’s simple and I would like to invite you to try it too. 

Every summer I take myself on a date and use that time to ponder what I really want for the summer. Most big things, like camps or trips, are already on the calendar but my focus for this time is to think about the days when everyone is home, or even just a few are home. I like to use our summer time to be intentional with learning or doing things we have not been able to get to in the school year.  

I typically ask myself these questions:

What projects do I want to accomplish this summer? (organizing the shed and the garage area)

What thing does this child need to grow in to keep moving toward self-sufficient adult? (My 14-year-old needs to learn to change a tire)

What skill does this child need to work on? (My 12-year-old needs to practice cleaning the bathroom with excellence)

Is there an area that we want to serve this summer? 

Are there people we would like to have over this summer?

Thinking through these things and making my list is the first step in creating a plan or a system around these things and implementing systems feels purposeful for me. I am able to step out of constant vigilance which is often married to anxiety and stress and I can live in the purpose I know I was called in as a mama, which brings me life. 

I would love to know if you have a date with yourself and what you plan! Use me as accountability to make it happen. Reply and say I am going on a date and I will follow up in a week or so and ask about what you planned! 

You got this mama!

Laura