Simple Pleasures to Enjoy This Summer…

When I sat down to write this post, Simple Pleasures to Enjoy This Summer, I had just finished putting the final touches on my vision board.

My hands were sticky from bits of glue, there were thin scraps of magazine clippings all over the floor and I was shocked to see how much I had lost track of time.

It felt indulgent and exciting and slightly panic-inducing all at once.

Truth be told since we welcomed our sweet rescue Piper into our lives more than a year ago, I haven’t had a lot of extra time to DIY, craft, or be creative at all.

Trying to manage her energy, anxiety, OCD, and trust issues from previous abuse has taken up more time than I could have ever imagined.

But it’s also forced us to get laser-focused on our priorities, work in 30-minute increments, keep the house picked up and organized, commit to a better sleep schedule, learn the art of compromise, and embrace gentle reminders to speak with grace and intention each day.

It has also emphasized the importance of finding joy in the little things and seeking out simple pleasures to enjoy this summer.

Lessons we probably wouldn’t have learned as well had we not welcomed her into our hearts and home.

As we prepare to enjoy the remaining lazy days of summer and head into the fall season, I want to encourage you that no matter what your circumstances are there is still time to make room for the things you enjoy most.

Here’s a list of simple pleasures to enjoy this summer…

When is the last time you…

…savored dessert with your best girlfriend?

…got dressed up for dinner?

…sent a handwritten letter to someone you love?

…danced in the rain?

…jumped in the puddles with your littles?

…had a “Yes” day?

…sat in a movie theater with a big bowl of popcorn?

…walked on the beach at sunset?

…had a picnic by the lake?

…sat for tea and scones?

…read a book you loved from cover to cover?

…called someone you haven’t spoken to in a while?

…stood up for yourself the way you stand up for your friends and family members?

…took a nap in the afternoon?

…bought something on your wish list?

…put on music from your childhood and danced around the kitchen or sang in the car with the windows down?

…walked around your favorite town?

…booked the flight of your dreams?

…learned a new language?

…caught an awe-inspiring sunrise?

…hiked a new trail?

…swam in the ocean?

…picked seasonal fruits and vegetables or supported your local farmer’s market?

…made a meal from scratch?

…squirreled away money in your Christmas Club account?

…painted your nails in a trendy shade?

…tried a new shade of lipstick?

…read a magazine from cover to cover?

…reached out to someone who feels like they’re not enough?

…bought yourself flowers?

…asked someone new to sit by you?

…offered to dog sit your grandpups and not just your grandbabies?

…bought a lottery ticket and took a chance?

…watched the clouds roll by?

…went to a new art gallery?

…journaled about your hopes, dreams, or feelings?

…enjoyed an entire cup of coffee and not just a few sips?

…asked for what you wanted?

…made a list of things that serve you well so you can do more of them?

…made a “don’t” list?

…took a long hot bath?

…gave your home a free makeover by moving things around from room to room?

…cleaned out your closets?

…donated “those” jeans, you know the ones you’ve been hanging onto for years hoping they’ll fit again?

…bought a pair of jeans you actually love?

…followed up?

…followed through?

…finished something that’s been on your to-do list far too long?

…lit candles at dinner?

…wore a new perfume?

…walked your dog without being on your phone?

…celebrated your progress and little wins?

…made an effort?

…really listened?

Now is a great time to slow down and give yourself permission to do the things you love most.

You don’t have to do them all at once, in a week, a month, or even this quarter but miss the opportunity.

It doesn’t have to be perfect for you to get started.

Simply pick something you love or something on this list and take action!

Cheering you on as you *blend* not balance all the facets that make your life busy and blessed,

CoCo