Hello, friend!
It’s Monday, and that means I’m landing in your inbox with the focus for this week.
Did you get a chance to read through this month’s theme yet? It’s all about finding en{joy}ment where we’re at (and if you’re in the northern hemisphere, that means prime summertime!).
For those of us who struggle to slow down the rest of the year, can we embrace the momentum of this month and choose what feels easeful, restful, and—dare I say—fun?
There’s no better opportunity to let go of the hustle and instead lean into the softness of summer.
I’ve just returned from a weekend away with a couple of friends and my pup. Yesterday, we spent hours on one of the mining lakes in the Cuyuna State Recreation Area here in MN. It was just what I needed. Sun, crystal clear water, and my paddleboard. Between swimming and paddling, the summer vibes were strong, and this morning I could feel a deeper rest in my body.
I hope that this summer you find yourself wrapped up in days and people that make your soul come alive in ways you’d missed or forgotten. For summertime me, I know the formula: sun, water, and good company. Do you know yours? Here’s to remembering or figuring it out!
Now, onto the main thing, this week’s focus:
Let Go of the Hustle
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
—Lao Tzu
Summer is all about slowing down, relaxing, and disconnecting from the demands of life, no? Even when we’re not on vacation, we can lean into the sun-filled days with energy and intention, embracing the pace summer offers.
Do you know what isn’t needed right now? More hustle (or whatever you want to call it—striving, grinding, pushing through). We don’t have to earn our rest. Even if we did, I’m telling you right now: you’ve done enough. You’ve pushed for long enough. Ease back, and take a needed breath. Give yourself an inner vacation, which is to say, permission to rest. To take it easy. To reset.
Sometimes it seems as if we’ve forgotten that we, as humans, are as natural as the trees, the sun, and the creatures around us. They don’t resist the shifting seasons. Why do we? Let’s take a look around us. What is nature up to? Let’s let ourselves off the hook and honor our nervous systems. What is meant to get done will get done. Let’s lose the extras that pull us away from connection and stick close to the necessities.
Do you know what your non-negotiables are for a good time? We work so hard to optimize our health, our minds, our relationships, that often we overlook the simplest of practices: doing something for the sheer joy of it, or simply because we want to do it.
Let’s leave optimization out of it. Let’s leave the shoulds at the door. Let’s honor the need of our bodies, minds, and hearts by tending to ourselves, not out of obligation, but out of love.
If the thought of a slower pace leaves you feeling a little hesitant, that’s a great place to lean in for further reflection. Is there a fear there? Or is what is restful to you more connection with friends, outside activity, etc? The slowdown of summer doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some prioritize family time. Others make more time for hobbies. Make sure you follow what brings you joy, and maybe add space for boredom.
As a lifelong creative, I could tout the importance of allowing yourself enough room in your schedule to be bored. (When was the last time you didn’t know what to do with yourself? It is often in these moments where we have our most creative ideas.) Alas, you are your own person. You get to decide what you do. Still, chances are, if you’re here, you want to build a stronger inner connection. This requires getting curious about your patterns. A little curiosity goes a long way. With that in mind, what does your kind of soft summer look like?
Tomorrow is the beginning of a new month. It is a threshold that you can cross with intentionality. What do you want your July to look like? When you change pace and ditch the hustle for a bit, you might just find yourself immersed in moments of unguarded peace and joy. I hope you do.
What can you cut out to make room for more moments that leave you feeling satisfied from the inside out?
Another way to think about it: What is the most loving thing you can do for yourself this month?
Sometimes, we need a little guide to help us identify what it is we want more of so that we can more easily say no to other things. In that spirit, make a Summer Bucket List (a list of things that feel joyful, fun, things you’ve been curious about, things you love to do in this season, fill in the blank :-D).
Let this be a guide for what you want to say yes to. As an alternative, or if you’d like to take an extra step, make a “What I’m not going to be doing this July” list to help you ditch the hustle (or even work, as usual) mindset. This could be anything from “I won’t be checking my email after work hours” to “staying inside at sunset.”
Stay playful, stay present, and lean into the slower pace to make room for what refreshes you. ‘Tis the season, after all.
I’d love to know your thoughts on this! Do you struggle with the slower pace of summer? Or is it something you look forward to? Drop this or any other thoughts/comments in the comment section (or, if you’re reading this in your email inbox, hit the reply button!).
See you in your inbox soon…
Sara
Love this , I never even thought to go a slower place with the changing seasons, for me it all seems to roll into one ! But I’m definitely going to try and be conscious of slowing. Your weekend sounds great !!