Plan Your Summer of Joy Now!
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Hey There,
Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on what life used to be like as a kid. I grew up on a lake in Minneapolis, so summertime was synonymous with outside and joy. With the demands of school behind me, I could let myself get lost in those sunny days. I might pick and make mulberry jam to sell to walkers with my friends, or we’d head to California to see our family. Sometimes I’d spend a whole day reading under a tree, drinking lemonade. Summer was so deliciously freeform that I leaned into whatever captured my imagination.
Now, in this full-on season of adulting and processing the daily headlines, summertime is still a time of joy because I’ve been intentional all these years to prioritize the rare moments when it’s hot outside in Minnesota. To maintain balance, I keep my schedule consistent year-round, which makes it easier, especially with kids. I prioritize our existing clients and take on fewer events to give me balance as a small business owner. With the constant stream of uncertainty filling our newsfeeds, we could easily let these glorious two months slip by without celebrating the longer, sunnier days, stepping out for a stroll along the lake, or spending the early morning in the garden. And that’s precisely why it’s critical to be intentional in centering the joy in your life. My favorite affirmation is: You are the expert of you.
If you're feeling stuck with your summer schedule, ask yourself this coaching question: What would it look like to prioritize myself this summer?
“Joy is an act of resistance.”
Toi Derricotte
Here’s how I’m prioritizing joy this summer:
Summer Fridays. Take this as your sign to leave the office early in the summer. Use Friday afternoon to schedule that doctor’s appointment, plan your next trip, or have lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
Define OOO for yourself. As a business owner, it’s impossible to log off completely when I’m on vacation. Instead of the traditional “out of office” message, I notify senders that I’ll be slower to respond. It gives me the flexibility to check my inbox and prioritize urgent issues that could cost me money by delaying a decision. Additionally, when I’m out of the office, the team is available and knows when to reach out, allowing me to have a genuine break.
Start Intentionally. I love paying attention to the details in my life. Use the extra hours to check in with yourself: it’s six months into the year — where are you making progress? What needs attention in your life? Pairing a pleasurable experience, such as sitting in the sun with lemonade, with a task you’ve been procrastinating on can help rewire your mind and overcome procrastination. Ask yourself: What is it only I can do?
What are the gatherings, events, and celebrations you’re looking forward to this summer? What does a joyful summer look like for you? Hit reply and let me know — I’d love to hear your spin on the season!
Coach’s Corner
You are worth your time.
Invest in joy this summer with my Sunrise Affirmation Deck. These 52 cards came from revelations I had as I sought to get unstuck from the corporate world to launch my next chapter as an entrepreneur nearly a decade ago. Each affirmation helps you shift your mindset, focusing on your progress, no matter how humble, and sets daily positive intentions for yourself.
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