Am I the only one who counts down to summer because I don’t have to pack lunches or find uniforms, only to have a small panic attack when I realize I now have to find something for my kids to do during the day?
Add moving to the mix, and it could be a recipe for disaster. But I’ve learned that perspective is powerful. The prompt I’m going to share with you is one of my favorites and helps me get (and stay) in the right mindset instead of living in a state of worry and anxiety. Here are the six words that changed the way I approach challenging situations.
How Can I Make this Easy?
This question seems so simple, but when we’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s the very last thing that comes to mind. What I love about this question is that it provides hope that the outcome can be favorable while also forcing us to creatively find ways to solve the problem. It takes us from a place of scarcity to one of abundance.
What does applying this question look like for our family this summer?
- Making arrangements for my mom to come with us to Texas to help us get settled.
- Reaching out to my amazing friend who homeschools her children for curriculum recommendations.
- Speaking with my boss about having a flexible schedule during the summer so I can actually unplug and enjoy this time with my family.
- Creating a bucket list of fun experiences we want to do as a family in Texas that would excite each of us.
- Designing a schedule for the kids so we all know how much of the day is school work and how much is exploring.
What are practical tips to help you have a stress-free summer?
Everyone’s situation is a bit different but based on the number of conversations I have had with my friends and clients over the years, here are some tried and true tips that can help you make it easy.
Plan Ahead: When you think summer, you might be thinking the opposite of planning. You don’t have to block out your calendar by any means but taking some time to think about potential stressors and brainstorm solutions in advance will help you have a smooth summer. Even if last summer was wonderful, there might be one or two things you wish could have gone better. Start with your biggest frustrations and be proactive about creating a solution for them before chaos ensues.
Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for support. I’ve made the mistake of thinking that when the kids are off school that I’m also off work. While the summer can be less taxing depending on the type of work you do, unless you’re formally taking a vacation, you’ll probably need some support.Whether it’s advice on homeschooling or a helping hand with the kids, ask or pay for the help you need. This can be a great opportunity for your kids to connect with relatives and others they wouldn’t normally get to spend time with during the school year. It’s a great way to strengthen your tribe and remind you that you’re not alone.
Create a Flexible Routine: This is easier to recommend but not always within your control. But before you disqualify yourself from more flexibility at work, I must ask you if you’ve even tried. One or two uncomfortable conversations could be the only thing standing in the way of you having more time with the people you love this summer (and possibly beyond). If you’re great at your job, you might already have more goodwill than you’re giving yourself credit for. I’ve had these conversations myself and guided others through them successfully, and the results have often been surprisingly positive.
Schedule fun for you, too: As moms, we often put our own needs last, but summer is the perfect time to change that. Schedule some fun activities that you enjoy. And if you don’t remember what fun looks like to you then summer is the perfect time to explore. Too often, the list only includes items for everyone else and you don’t have anything to look forward to doing. You don’t just want to hold the bags all summer. Get in there and be a part of the fun. Whether it’s roller skating, strawberry picking, or a tandem bike ride, make sure to plan activities you want to do as well. Embrace new experiences and rediscover what brings you joy. Remember, your happiness is important too, and a happy mom means a happy family. So, take the time to indulge in activities that light you up and create wonderful memories this summer.
Conclusion
When things get challenging (and they will because life be lifin’), ask yourself, “How can I make this easy?” Allow your mind to open up to the possibility that everything will be okay. This mindset shift can help you navigate summer with ease and joy.
Remember, summer can be a time for fun and connection, not just stress and planning. By taking a proactive approach and asking the right questions, you can transform potential chaos into opportunities for growth and relaxation. Whether it’s planning ahead to dodge stressors, seeking help from friends and family, negotiating a more flexible work routine, or making sure to carve out some fun time just for you, these strategies are tried and true.
I’ve seen it work time and time again, not just in my own life but also in the lives of my friends and clients. A little bit of planning and a positive mindset can make all the difference. So give it a try this week and let me know how it goes. Cheers to our best summer yet!
By asking yourself, “How can I make this easy?” you open the door to a stress-free and enjoyable summer. Let’s make the most of it and create some wonderful memories together!
