Summer Bucket List Ideas

Today, we’re sharing 50 summer bucket list ideas today!

Several years ago when my bestie S was finally making the transition from a wheelchair to crutches, we met a few friends for dinner. 

It was an event that had been on her bucket list since the accident. 

To say we were thrilled to get out of the house for an activity that was not related to doctors and physical therapy appointments was an understatement.

Weaving Your Word of the Year Into Your Summer Bucket List Ideas…

I’m not really sure how we got on the subject.

But we started talking about how easy it was to get off track with goals and dreams once the newness of January and February wore off.

In addition, while we were still excited about the goals we had set in early January, we realized how difficult it had become to remain motivated to reach those goals as the days stretched into weeks and the weeks into months.

Especially, when our “real lives” started slowly taking over our calendars.

Honestly, it’s something I hear all the time from my sisters, fellow bloggers, friends, and you.

Well, that conversation led to us discussing our Word of the Year and our summer bucket list ideas too.

A Bold Declaration…

We were all going around the dinner table talking about the progress we had made on our goals and Word of the Year when we got to one of S’s closest and most trusted friends.

“I’m doing great on all my goals,” she said.

“But I’m too embarrassed to tell you my Word of the Year.”

To be honest, we all kind of looked at each other dumbfounded because this lady is a total rock star. 

She’s fought several battles with cancer, raised four great kids, run multiple successful businesses, and contributes to her church and community in a big way.

Further, she still finds time to do special things for her husband, family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.

We all sat there silent for a few seconds when she finally said, “I’m just worried if I tell you my word you’re either gonna laugh at me or you’ll think I’m selfish.  Either way, I’m too embarrassed to say.”

Of course, we all immediately started reassuring her there were no embarrassing Words of the Year. 

A few minutes later she sucked in her breath and said, “Ok, here goes. I’ve got to step out of my comfort zone sometime. My Word of the Year is….”

…and then she said her name.

Making Yourself a Priority This Summer…

We sat quietly as she explained why she had chosen her name. 

She recounted the tough years of being a mom, the constant changes at work, her time as a caregiver to an ailing mother, the many months spent at the hospital and doctor appointments waiting for cancer treatments, and ultimately the untold stress it had all taken on her spirit.

She didn’t need to justify herself to any of us. 

Yet she laid out her case so succinctly that I’ve often thought about the conversation as I’ve grappled with my own struggles all these months later.

From Burnout to Breakthrough…

About this time nearly every year, I find myself with an empty creativity tank and teetering on the edge of burnout.

It’s not because I don’t love this job.

This job is a ton of work and the landscape of what is expected has changed drastically since I began. But it feels like a dream job more days than not. 

In fact, I love it so much that most of the time my brain doesn’t turn off no matter how physically tired I am or how emotionally drained I’ve become from decision fatigue.

You might find yourself feeling that same way right now as well.

Being Intentional This Summer…

Last year, we spent some of the summer rediscovering small towns.

This year, we’re making a deliberate effort to add more fun into our schedules, develop healthy habits and routines, celebrate self-discovery, embrace change, fill our creativity tanks with new adventures, simplify our homes, and be intentional about carving out white space in our calendars.

We’re boldly claiming our names for the summer and getting back to the things we love most.

We hope you will too!

Now you might be thinking, the Summer of _______________ (fill in your name) sounds awesome. But there is no way I can _______________ (fill in your excuse).

Let me reassure you, that your summer bucket list ideas can celebrate everything that makes you special while still working a full-time job, being a wife, mom, sister, daughter, friend, or caregiver. 

You just have to make it a priority.

Most importantly, you have to be willing to invest in yourself and the things that matter most to you.

So, what does the Summer of ____________ (fill in your name) look like, you ask?

It means you make the time to…

Summer Bucket List Ideas…

1. Say yes to the things you really want to do
2. Say no to the things you feel obligated to do or are only doing out of guilt
3. Enjoy a summer sunrise or sunset
4. Do a 48-hour social media detox
5. Plan a vacation or a staycation
6. Find a good summer read
7. Finish a goal you’ve been putting off for too long
8. Host a slumber party with your sisters, besties, or girlfriends
9. Try a new recipe
10. Take a day trip
11. Go on a date with yourself
12. Invite someone new to coffee, lunch, or dinner
13. Send a postcard or start a letter-writing campaign to friends and loved ones
14. Pick fruits or vegetables from a roadside stand, a farmer’s market, or a you-pick farm
15. Create healthy routines for skincare and cleaning
16. Pray, meditate or practice gratitude daily
17. Live out your affirmations
18. Plan a progressive supper with your family, friends, or neighbors
19. Start a journal
20. Learn a new skill or hobby
21. Stop negative self-talk
22. Do something out of your comfort zone
23. Become more self-aware
24. Be inspired by TED Talks or podcasts
25. Practice random acts of kindness
26. Find ways to turn obstacles into opportunities
27. Apologize first
28. Enjoy nature with a walk on the beach, a day at the lake, or a fun hike
29. Replace a bad habit with a good one
30. Start & finish a new home project
31. Be a cheerleader
32. Go all day without complaining
33. Treat yourself to something special
34. Take more pictures or commit to photo walks each week
35. Explore a new city
36. Start juicing
37. Save the planet and go green
38. Prioritize rest and good sleep hygiene
39. Create healthy meals
40. Exercise
41. Write a letter to your future self about how awesome you are
42. Take action
43. Turn off the TV
44. Go to an outdoor movie or concert
45. Commit to your personal growth
46. Make homemade ice cream
47. Go swimming
48. Start a beach shell or wildflower collection
49. Plant a veggie or container garden
50. Rediscover the things you loved most about sleepaway camp

The Summer of You…

I know these summer bucket list ideas look like a lot.

But can we just be honest for a second?

How many times do we say we’re going to do something that is really important to us only to let the entire summer slip away without taking action?

I’m not judging at all because I’ve found myself in the same position multiple summers too.

The thing is, I know we can be better than that.

We just have to be intentional about it and take our summer back.

Even if we’re only able to do one activity each week from our summer bucket list, we’ll have celebrated 15 adventures from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

That feels like a win, doesn’t it?

Making the Most of The Summer Season…

So, let’s flip the script and vow that this year really is going to be our year.

The year we take full advantage of our summer by letting go of the excuses and finally taking action.

Let’s honor what makes us special and unique by prioritizing our needs without feeling guilty about it. And by doing more of the things that make us happy and less of the things that make us feel obligated to gratify the expectations of others.

Let’s be bold and claim our names and celebrate the Summer of ______________ (insert your name) and a summer bucket list ideas full of fresh adventures and opportunities.

Are you with me?

What’s on your summer bucket list this year? We’d love to hear all about it! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Many blessings,

CoCo