Summer is almost here—hooray! Do you have plans for the season? I hope you’ve set aside time for rest, travel, gardening and simple fun. Even in summer, many of us still have responsibilities: work, household upkeep, yard and porch care, fitness goals, and the seasonal projects we’ve been meaning to tackle. Summer can quickly become a juggling act.
I don’t enjoy a frazzled life, especially not during summer. Our warm months are too short for stress. With a little intentional planning, though, you can get the important things done and still savor slow, joyful moments.
For my own sanity, I make lists every season. I’ve been a “little things” list maker for years. Instead of stressful TO DO lists, I prefer WANT TO DO lists—things I genuinely want to do. These lists help me focus on priorities and avoid excess. A seasonal bucket list becomes a guide for living fully in the moment and choosing activities that bring meaning and pleasure.
I wanted to give readers a simple starting point for days when life feels overwhelming and the to-do list seems endless. Sometimes it helps when someone says, “Here’s a good place to focus today.” That’s why at the end of my book I included a Love Your Home Challenge—31 easy, bite-sized activities for around the home.
I use short challenges and simple lists all the time because they work. Big goals often overwhelm me, but small steps keep me moving forward. Over time those steps add up and progress happens.
Often we already know what we want to do but struggle to begin. Writing goals down helps clarify focus and make action easier. It also helps to have encouragement. A friend or community offering a little nudge makes a big difference. Sharing small victories with others creates camaraderie: “Me too! Let’s work on that together.”
LOVE YOUR HOME CHALLENGE: SUMMER EDITION
Recently I shared a summer bucket list and I’m inviting you—my readers and friends—to create your own summer bucket lists and join the Love Your Home Challenge, Summer Edition. It’s simple: make a list of projects and memorable experiences you want this summer, then start doing them. Share as much or as little of your progress as you like on social media using the hashtag #loveyourhomechallenge.
If you need ideas, check the back of the book for 31 Love Your Home Challenge suggestions, or use my summer bucket list as inspiration to create a custom list. Then begin—small actions matter.
Seeing others make intentional progress is motivating, so don’t hesitate to share what you accomplish. If you don’t have a blog, there are welcoming communities where you can post small wins and connect with others doing the same. The goal is to live in the moment and appreciate the home you already have.
You can report your Love Your Home Challenge progress as often as suits you—daily, weekly, or whenever you find a moment. We’ll post reminders throughout the season and showcase what we’re doing to move forward on our summer lists.
If you want more inspiration, watch others who are working through similar 31-day challenges; seeing their videos and progress can be heartening. Real people sharing small, meaningful changes in their homes encourages others to start and persist.