The Case for Summer Joy

There is something about summer that awakens a different part of us.

The smell of sunscreen. Fireflies blinking in the dusk. Ice cream dripping down your hand. Staying outside a little longer because the sun hasn't set yet. Music with the windows down. Fresh peaches from the farmer's market. Reading on the porch while the laundry waits.

As children, summer often represented freedom. Play. Possibility. A break from routine.

As adults, many of us lose that.

We become experts at productivity. We learn how to optimize, plan, achieve, and check the boxes. We tell ourselves we'll rest after the project is finished, celebrate after the goal is reached, and make time for fun when life finally settles down.

Except life rarely settles down.

And before we know it, we realize we've built a life that functions well on paper but feels a little too efficient to fully enjoy.

One of the four Life Drafting buckets is Play, and I've noticed it's often the first thing adults sacrifice. We dismiss it as frivolous, unnecessary, or something reserved for vacations and special occasions.

But play isn't the opposite of productivity.

Play restores us.

Moments of delight expand our capacity to show up with more creativity, patience, resilience, and presence.

What if this summer wasn't about squeezing more into your calendar?

What if it was about noticing what already brings you alive?

Not a grand bucket list. Not another set of expectations.

Just a simple Summer Joy List.

Tiny moments that make you feel like you.

Maybe it's:

• Eating watermelon on the back porch

• Browsing a bookstore with no agenda

• Listening to music while cooking dinner

• Floating in a pool

• Watching a thunderstorm roll in

• Painting with watercolors

• Calling an old friend

• Taking an evening walk

• Picking fresh flowers at the market

• Reading fiction before bed

• Buying the fancy coffee

• Sitting outside for ten quiet minutes before the day begins

  
  

The invitation isn't to "earn" these moments by finishing everything else first.

The invitation is to remember that your life is happening now.

Joy is not a distraction from the meaningful work of your life.

It is part of it.

Journal Prompts

• What brought me joy as a child that I rarely make time for now?

• When was the last time I lost track of time because I was enjoying myself?

• What tiny moments of delight could I intentionally create this week?

• Where have I been treating joy as a reward instead of a necessity?

• What would make this summer feel memorable rather than merely productive?

  
  

Affirmations

• Joy is not something I have to earn.

• Play is a valid and valuable part of a well-lived life.

• I give myself permission to delight in ordinary moments.

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Office Hours:  Office Hours this month are on Thursday, June 18. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE