Yay! Summer is officially here and the sun has finally committed to being in our lives for the next few months. I have to say, I adore our Canadian summer. When the sun is shining, I feel alive and energized and ready to have fun. Yes, as a mom of three, summer fun often involves the kids. And, I genuinely love spending time with my family. But… now that my girls are getting older, I feel like I can reclaim some of these sunny days, for myself. As in, it doesn’t have to be all about them. Remember the days when going to the beach involved a towel, a book, and a bag of chips? This summer I plan to cater to my own (pre-planned) whims because… I deserve it. And, so do you!
Here are 20 ways to “Reclaim” your Summer:
- Make adult popsicles, like these strawberry wine & lavender ones.
- Play the game “Resort,” which involves the kids serving snacks and beverages to family members and friends in the backyard. (You can even give loonie tips here and there if it helps with inspiration).
- Start a book club.
- Or, if you’re not feeling the book club vibe, make your own list of books and quietly get down to buisness.
- Get yourself a gorgeous notebook and fill it with whatever you like! (ie. intersting facts, your own reflections about everyday life, future dreams, films you’ve watched, books you’ve read, fears, goals, sketches of your gardens or your pets.
- Plant some flowers, fresh herbs, or vegetables and make them grow and thrive and then enjoy the fruits of your labour.
- Go on a trip with your girlfriends. (Make. It. Happen.)
- And if it can’t happen this summer, make a date to have iced-coffee or cocktails with your girlfriends and plan a future trip together. (I’m pretty sure just talking about it boosts our sarotonin levels!)
- Do something that takes you outside your comfort zone, like my friend who recently did trapeze lessons as one of 50 cool and interesting activities she plans to do in honour of her 50th birthday.
- Get out your old school camera and use it.
- Ask fellow parents to have your kids for the day to ensure you get some time to yourself. (And repay the favour so they too can reclaim their summer).
- Go to an outdoor concert or play.
- Take a mini-vacation or even a stay-cation with your partner. Ask friends to host your kids overnight. (Then do the same for them. It’s a win/win).
- Go to the beach with your partner or your girlfriends or on your own… without the kids. (They don’t have to know about it.)
- Book a day/night out in a big, exciting city.
- Do a challenging activity like a 40K Bruce Trail Trek or a walk for charity.
- Go on a cycling wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake because it’s ridiculously fun.
- Make a new friend. (Just start up a convo and see where it goes. No, Im not kidding).
- Take breaks from Social Media.
- Buy the most comfortable lounge chair and claim it as your own. Then, actually sit and chill in it.
Reclaiming your summer doesn’t have to be hard, the whole point is that you have fun and enjoy yourself. This is your time, reclaim it with no shame! Comment below and let me know how you are going to reclaim your summer, maybe we can add to this fun list!
