Today, I’m excited to share with you several summer bucket list ideas, to offer three free printables and to gently remind you of the importance of filling your cup this season.
Let me ask you guys a serious question – when was the last time you did something for yourself?
Something just for you.
Has it been a while?
It has for me too.
I think sometimes as women (although we do have some fabulous men that read and support this blog every day – I appreciate you guys so much) we often struggle with making our own needs a priority. I don’t want to speak for you but in my own circle I see so many fantastic ladies running around like Super Woman trying to make sure their homes are a place of comfort and care, their families are well taken care of, and their work life is on point, all while trying to handle the demands that life inevitably places on them with grace.
I know for us, it’s been an incredibly busy season and don’t get me wrong I am blessed beyond measure to be able to do this dream job for a living but the continual travel, the competition, the decision fatigue, the endless troubleshooting, the 3 am strikes of creativity, the project fails and the constantly having to feel “on” can be exhausting sometimes.
And yet, I find myself still trying to do all the things and please all the people because I love it so much.
Things came to a head just last week when I was standing in the aisle of one of my favorite thrift stores spending the day with my Mom. I got a major case of analysis paralysis and I could not decide if I should buy 2 white gauzy curtain panels for $5.99 to use in the breakfast nook for summer.
No playing, I had just told my Mom I needed to pick up some white curtain panels from IKEA the day before and there they were for a fraction of the price but I could not make a decision to save my life. I mean looking back, that’s bananas, right? What is there to decide? You can’t even buy a yard of fabric for that price! Nevertheless, I stood in the curtain aisle filled with angst feeling silly.
I know it can seem like the smallest things can “set us off” or “throw us in a tailspin” sometimes. The truth is, it’s probably all the other small things and maybe even some big things that have been quietly building up under the surface that make us feel like we have to do.it.all.right.this.minute.
It’s not because we can’t handle the task at hand, WE CAN! It’s because we haven’t taken the time to fill up our cup. And instead of coming from a joy filled heart knowing we’re confident decision makers, we’re coming from a place of near collapse because we’ve stretched ourselves thin.
So, as we plan our summer activities and all the adventures they entail, I want us to think about what we really need this season.
Do you need a season of rest or will this be a season of stepping out in faith to pursue something new?
Is this a season of connecting with others and perhaps putting some opportunities on the back burner for a few months?
Do you need to finally embrace Plan B where your job, your relationships, your home life or your goals are concerned?
Is this a season of harvest or do you need to make tending and cultivating your garden be it physical, spiritual or emotional a priority this season?
The month of June always feels like the month of January to me because there are so many things about May and December that can completely derail our schedules, our daily routines, and goal setting efforts.
But don’t let those things get you down, ok? June is a great time to reevaluate what is truly important to you and to give those areas of your life some much needed attention.
It might be hard. You might have to say “no” to one thing so you can say “yes” to something else. You might have to rework your calendar or ask for help. You might have to wake up early or stay up late to get whatever you need to get done – done. You might feel like you’re missing out for the sake of your dream. You might even have to do it scared.
Believe me, you can do hard things. You are worth the time and effort it takes to make your dreams a reality so be bold and confident.
As I shared in our summer inspired front porch post, this summer will not be what we had originally planned but it promises to be an adventure nonetheless as we embrace a summer of simple pleasures. If you need a few ideas of your own or if you want to follow along with us, you can download our free summer bucket list printable here.
If you have some ideas you’re already excited about, you can keep track of them here
or here if you like.
I hope you all have a peace filled Memorial Day weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our Gold Star Families as they continue to navigate this journey. I know it’s not an easy one. We appreciate and honor both you and your loved ones.
We have a great week coming up next week as we share more from our series The Busy Girl’s Guide to Summer Decorating.
Just for the sake of full disclosure, there have been a lot of changes going on behind the scenes and I fully expect our posts to run as planned next week. That being said, my bestie S who runs the TCG website is having surgery today. The recovery time is expected to take at least 12 weeks so there might be a few bumps in the road during that time. We’ll do our very best to keep them to a minimum as S continues to recover but I wanted to give you a heads up.
Despite the all the changes and challenges, we have a lot of exciting things planned for The Crowned Goat. I’ll share more of what you can expect from TCG over the summer, next week. Thank you to all of you who responded to our re-engagement campaign for our subscribers in the European Union. I never in my wildest dreams thought this blog would be part of an international community. You guys constantly blow me away with your support and we appreciate each one of you!
I’ll see you back here on Monday. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
CoCo – this is a fabulous and timely post! Typically we are each spread so thin you can see through our skin – no exaggeration. Times have been difficult this year, but we grab our moments when we can – like this past weekend. Sometimes that still isn’t enough. All we heard when you mentioned “filling up your cup this season” was “Red solo cup…I fill you up. Let’s have a party!” LOL We all really do need to slow down, do less and enjoy the lazy days of summer. Hugs and love to you and S. Hoping she has an easy surgery and recovery.
Yes, yes, yes! Fill your red solo cup, your hans solo cup, your buttercup – we say do whatever is needed to slow down and enjoy this summer season. I can hardly believe the year is almost half way over. We need to soak up as many adventures as we can – even if they’re make quiet time a priority. Thanks so much for your love and well wishes on the surgery and recovery, CoCo
Oh, CoCo, you are truly the sweetest! I so wish I could have a day to just sit with you on that peaceful porch and talk, and laugh, and maybe even shed a few tears – and love on those pups of yours! My thoughts and prayers will be with you and “S” today and during her recovery. I know she will be well taken care of by her “bestie”! Just remember your own words and take care of yourself, too. Thanks so much for your words of encouragement – big life changes going on in our household – projects to get done – and a dream or two to act on! 🙂
Oh my gosh, Patty, talk about a dream come true! We would have the best time hanging out. Thanks so much for your kind words, they speak to my heart all the time. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers on S’s surgery and recovery as well. I can’t wait to hear about the big changes you guys have coming up and all the dream projects you have planned. It’s such an exciting time when all the pieces start falling into place. Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo