Summer’s here! (Although it’s arrived to a wet and dreary day here in Chicago.) As a kid, I loved summer so much. It meant freedom: no homework, no tests, no classes … and no alarm clocks!

But now, summers feel so busy and seem to go by way too fast. It’s 89 days of graduation parties, showers, weddings, vacations, festivals. The list goes on and on.

It’s too much! As part of my conscious decision to slow down and set better boundaries for my time, I’ve decided to enjoy this summer. Really enjoy it. I want to get back to those feelings about summer that I had as a kid.

I’m giving myself permission to say “yes” only when I really want to do something. I’m going to nap even when the sun is shining. I’m going to try new things that I’ve never done before. And I’m going to rejuvenate my mind and body with weekend trips.

I’ll document my summer adventures and “non-adventures” alike. (After all, I said I was going to take naps!) It will be the summer I get back to loving every minute. It will be the summer of me…and I can’t wait!

What are you going to do this summer? I would love to hear from you.