Summer is almost here — hooray! Do you have plans for relaxing, vacations, gardening, or simply enjoying lazy days? Even in summer many of us still juggle responsibilities: work, home upkeep, yard and porch care, fitness, and the occasional home project. Summer can be a balancing act.
I prefer a calm, unrushed life, especially in summer. With a bit of intentional planning, you can take care of what needs doing and still have plenty of time to savor the season’s simple pleasures.
For my own sanity I make seasonal lists. I’ve always been a “little things” list maker. Instead of stressful to-do lists, I create WANT-TO-DO lists that focus on small things I genuinely want to accomplish. A bucket list of short, meaningful tasks helps me prioritize what will let me live fully in the moment.
To give readers a gentle starting point when life feels overwhelming, I included a Love Your Home Challenge at the end of my book, Love the Home You Have — 31 simple, easy activities you can do around the home. Sometimes we just need a friendly suggestion: “Here’s a good place to focus your attention today.”
Small challenges and short lists work for me because I get overwhelmed by big goals. Taking small, consistent steps gets me where I want to be without stress.
Often we already know what we want to do but struggle to take action. Seeing goals written down helps, and having friends or a community cheering you on makes a big difference. That little nudge and shared camaraderie—“Me too! Let’s do this together”—keeps progress enjoyable and sustainable.
LOVE YOUR HOME CHALLENGE: SUMMER EDITION
Recently I shared my summer bucket list and I’m inviting you to create your own summer list and join the Love Your Home Challenge, Summer Edition. It’s simple: make a list of projects and memorable experiences you truly want to do this summer, then start checking them off. Share your progress and successes on social channels and with friends so others can be inspired, too.
If you’re unsure where to begin, you can use the 31 ideas from the back of the book, adapt items from my summer bucket list, or create your own. Then simply get started—one small task at a time.
Watching others make intentional progress is motivating, so don’t hesitate to share your journey. Even if you don’t blog, you can connect with friendly communities that encourage small steps and celebrate everyday wins. The point is to live in the moment and appreciate the home you already have.
Share your Love Your Home Challenge as often as you like—daily, weekly, or whenever you find a moment. Regular check-ins and reminders can help maintain momentum, and all summer you’ll see examples of simple, intentional progress from others working on their own bucket lists.
If you want extra inspiration, look for people sharing their 31-day challenge experiences. Watching others complete small tasks and celebrate the little things can be heartwarming and motivating. Real-life examples of progress remind us that small actions add up to meaningful change.