Summer combined with time off has a restorative effect. I just returned from vacationing in the Finger Lakes and feel rejuvenated. Suspending some of my habits and routines helped clarify what I wanted more or less of.

Our vacation included unscheduled days, almost no email and social media checking, no alarm clocks, and daily kayaking. We ate most of our meals outside, overlooking Song Lake, listening to water rippling, leaves rustling, and birds chirping.

The owner of the house we rented helped make our stay stress-free. The guest binder with essential numbers, house rules, and resources was our go-to guide. Light switches, drawers, and cabinets were clearly labeled. Everything we needed for comfort, like cozy linens, paper goods, toiletries, utensils, coffee, snacks, and condiments, was plentiful and easily accessible.

While I loved being away and exploring a new place, I was happy to return home. We spent part of our vacation organizing and doing home maintenance, which also felt great.

I’m excited about more summer adventures, working with clients, and prepping for this fall’s clutter workshop. What’s on your summer docket? How can I help?

The beginning of summer feels like a giant exhale. The kids are off from school, the anticipation of travel plans is present, and a visceral sense of ‘having more time’ is palpable. Is it because the days are longer? Is it that some of the regular meetings and responsibilities are on pause? Is the desire to relax and play so needed? Summer cues us to shift gears.

Some of my friends are teachers and have the summer off. Others are in pre-retirement mode. I am happy for them and am fascinated by how they embrace their less scheduled time. While I’m feeling the calmer summer vibe, I am working and don’t have the summer off.  I have, however, been playing more and appreciating extended daylight to walk in the woods or be outside.

I’m also looking forward to beach time and exploring new and familiar places. With the recent heat, I can’t wait to return to the water. Kayaking on the Croton River is one of my favorite things to do.

Summer is also a great time to edit, plan, and fix. I’ll be working on a few projects for my home and business. Let me know if you want help organizing your thoughts or things this summer. I’m here to support you and am a quick phone call or email away. How can I help?

Summer is here, bringing with it those much-missed in-person gatherings, vacations, and time for organizing and other projects. This season also brings intense heat, which messes with our energy and motivation. I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling it. While I love walking daily, I’m finding it challenging to be outside in the hotness. It’s like walking in molasses. 

One of my friends suggested we walk inside in an air-conditioned store, like a big supermarket. What a great solution! It made me think about how we can get stuck in an “I can’t” mode. However, with some out-of-the-box thinking, we can find new ways to move forward. And so it goes with my daily commitment to walk, which is good for my health and wellbeing. With this new plan in place, the heat isn’t going to stop my motivation.

What tiny tweak in your plan can you make that will keep you motivated and moving forward?