I received an email recently with an apology for a late reply, saying “Summer should NOT be so busy.” Wow, I agree! Summer is traditionally a time to slow down, and let go of some of the busyness that occupies us at other times of the year. The idea of “The Pleasant Life,” a term coined by psychologist, Martin Seligman, is that of taking time to savor and appreciate life’s basic pleasures – family and friends, a sunrise or a summer breeze, a good meal, wonderful music. Summer is the perfect time to do that. So, instead of my usual to-do list, I came up with a summer checklist. I’ve written about the value of being intentional, setting an intention for the day or a specific situation, and letting it guide us. Here’s my intention for this Summer of 2014. I’m creating it now so that I don’t find myself, come Labor Day, wondering: “What happened? Summer should NOT be so busy!”
- Take more photos – of whatever, just for fun.
- Eat outside more often – whether out or at home on our deck.
- Canoeing or kayaking on Evergreen Lake. (My teenager is renting boats there this summer, so I have no excuses….)
- Hang with my family.
- Appreciate spending time with my wonderful friends.
- Slow way down – (on it.)
- Walks and hikes in nature.
- Salads and fruit salads.
- Almost anything tastes better grilled.
- Always a good book (or two!)
- Sunscreen (ok, I tend to be on the practical side.)
- Biking!
- Giving myself time to daydream or do nothing.
- Writing – whatever – in my journal.
- Summer movies.
- Did I mention practically anything outdoors?
- Keep it simple – Ask myself the question: What brings me joy? Do that!
Coach’s Action step: What’s on your summer checklist? What would you like more of? Slow down and take a few minutes today to set your intention – there’s lot of summer left!