Summer is almost here—hooray! Do you have plans? I hope you’ve carved out time for rest, vacations, gardening and plenty of simple fun. Even so, many of us still juggle responsibilities: work, home maintenance, yard care, porch refreshes, fitness goals, and the summer projects that always seem to call. Summer should be enjoyable, not frazzling.
I try to avoid living a stressed, hurried life, especially in summer when the days feel too short. With a bit of intention and planning we can get necessary tasks done and still have space to savor slow moments and seasonal pleasures.
For my own sanity I make seasonal lists. I’m a devoted maker of small, focused lists — little things I truly want to do. I avoid long, pressure-filled “to do” lists because they stress me out. Instead, I create “want to do” lists or a bucket list of things I love. That approach helps me trim away the excess and focus on what will let me live fully in the moment.
I wanted to share a simple list that can serve as a practical starting point when life feels overwhelming or a to-do list seems endless. Sometimes you just need a friendly nudge: “Here’s a good place to focus today.” At the end of my book Love the Home You Have I included a Love Your Home Challenge — 31 small, easy activities around the home designed to be approachable and rewarding.
I use short challenges for myself all the time because they work. Big goals tend to intimidate me; I get overwhelmed and stall. Small steps, taken consistently, move me forward and eventually I reach the destination.
Often we already know what would help our homes and lives, but we don’t always act. Writing goals down clarifies focus and makes action easier. It helps even more when a friend or community offers encouragement. I treasure that camaraderie — the “me too” energy that keeps you going. Life improves when you have others sharing progress and cheering you on.
LOVE YOUR HOME CHALLENGE: SUMMER EDITION
A few days ago I shared my summer bucket list. As friends, I invite you to make your own summer bucket lists and join the Love Your Home Challenge, Summer Edition. It’s simple: create a list of summer priorities—projects or memorable experiences—and start doing them. Share successes as you like on social channels and with communities you enjoy. Celebrating progress motivates everyone.
(summer goal: eat ice cream cones)
If you’re unsure where to begin, look at simple lists like the 31 Love Your Home Challenge ideas, draw inspiration from a summer bucket list, or create a unique list tailored to your life. Then pick one item and start. Progress, even small, builds momentum.
Seeing others take intentional steps for their homes and lives is inspiring, so don’t hesitate to share what you accomplish. Community spaces dedicated to home life are full of encouragement—people share tiny wins and meaningful transformations. That shared spirit is what makes projects feel doable and life feel richer.
You can report your Love Your Home Challenge progress as often as you like: daily, weekly, or whenever you have a moment. Regular reminders and check-ins help sustain momentum. All summer long you can see how others are moving through their bucket lists and small, intentional tasks.
If you want extra inspiration, there are people sharing short videos and posts as they work through 31-day challenges—real-life examples that spark ideas and warm the heart. Watching someone else complete small projects can encourage you to start your own.
It’s uplifting to see real people celebrate little improvements that make a big difference at home and in life. Those small acts of care add up and help you live more fully in the present.