How to respect the rhythm of summer when your life basically remains unchanged <3

Back in the day, I knew what to do with summer.

We put the backpacks in the hall closet, dug out the towels and the pool bag and we enjoyed.

We did the summer reading programs and ball games and applied sun screen and mosquito repellant liberally.

We complained about how hot it was outside and how cold it was in the restaurants and mall.

We stayed up late and moved slow in the mornings.

Well…by “we” I mean me and the three little R’s, because one of us just kept getting up and going to work every morning like aways, just in a hotter car.

So as the kiddo’s vacated the premises … “summer vacation” lost some of its meaning for me.

Because for a stay-home mom with an empty nest…well…nothing really changes except the too hot outside/too cold inside part…and I have had to learn a new way to embrace the rhythm of summer.

I have to be intentional in being present in this season or I would literally turn the air up way too high, crawl under a blanket and pretend like we were having an upside down winter.

Because heat and humidity change me.

And not for the better.

Summer is not my season once you remove the daily pool outing and night time ball park sitting.

So if you are like me and struggle…here are some ways I have found to be thankful for this season like I am the other three more civil ones.

Remember these are all just little things I tweak about our regular routine so that summer feels more relaxed and fun.

I don’t do them legalistically because … well…that would take away the easy-breezy point, right?

So here we go…

<3 I like to make sure I have my own version of a summer reading program. Selecting a couple of books I “have been meaning to read” and then taking time in the afternoon to stop and just read a chapter or two feels like a luxury.

<3 While we seem to have an abundance of summer month birthday’s in our family, there are no major holidays calling for decorations. I can stick a couple of flags out every other week, put up something red, white and blue on the kitchen counter and we are good to go. Bless that! It’s a great time to pare down the extra knick-knacks and clutter and stream line decorating…which as a bonus means less dusting!! Woot!!

<3 When running errands, I somewhat force myself to take my time. I pack an icy drink or plan an iced tea stop as a treat. While I can procrastinate the heck of a to do list at home, I am hyper-efficient when it comes to errand running. So in summer, I really do make an effort to slow down and let my focus wander a little. An extra few minutes chatting with the person behind the counter, a wee bit of window shopping or going down an aisle featuring items that are not on my list provides a needed break from always trying to make the most of every second that characterizes busier seasons.

<3 Sitting outside in the mornings to do coffee and quiet time is another treat for myself. The sound of birds chirping and the morning breeze give the feel of being somewhere different and allows me time to thank God more for His creation.

<3 Planning early morning or late evening walks ensures exercise with the promise of a little less heat working against me. Neighbors are out and it is a nice way to connect with the people who live in the area.

<3 I got a bike last year and it has rejuvenated me! I feel like a little girl when I am on it. Caution tho…I feel every bit my age when I get off…

<3 Less fuss in fixing my hair (what’s the point in the Midwest …am I right??) and dinner (salads and the grill are where dinner will be found) also bring a sense of relief from routine.

<3 Find some friends who L.O.V.E. summer and feed off their enthusiasm. I like to check in on a few of my sun-loving, garden-digging, boat-riding friends and glob onto their joy in this season that is not my #1 pick.

So there you have it…

my little attempts to offset my lack of love for parts of the summer that are not my favs….what about you?

Do you love summer?

Or do you just get by?

Sure would enjoy sitting across from you with an….Iced Coffee…and hear your story <3