Happy Thursday! Today is hopefully my last work day of the year and I am ready for summer! Happy first day of summer! It is the longest day of the year and I am going to soak up the sun! I’ve been making monthly goals for a while now and they keep my on track even if I don’t acheive my goal.

In May, I wanted to:

1. Run 3 days a week – I did not, but I did run every time Luke had soccer practice and a few more days.
2. Read at least 1 nonfiction book – I did not. I was thinking I’d have time to start listening to one, but I didn’t.
3. Spend time on the Peloton app every school morning – I did it! It felt great to get back into the morning exercise habit.
4. Eat dinner early – I did it! I was much better about eating dinner as I was making it at 4:00 instead of snacking and not being hungry at 5:30 to eat.
5. Find the joy – I did it! This month was bonkers busy at home and school and finding the joy was so good!
   

I decied to make goals for the summer, instead of monthly goals this year. I have an idea of how I would like summer to go and how I would like to feel heading back to school at the end of August. I am hoping that working towards these goals will set me up for success.

1. Strength train 4 days a week.

I stopped strength training at the beginning of the year because I had tennis elbow symptoms and it hurt to hold the weights. I miss it and I miss my strength. I’m going to use the Peloton app to do an upper body, lower body, total body, and Flash 15 workout each week.

2. Drink at least 80 ounces of water every day.

In the summer, I tend to reach for non-water drinks more often than during the school year. I spend a lot of time outside in the heat and drinking at least 80 ounces of water makes me feel great.

3. Read at least 2 books each week.

I love love love reading in the summer! I spend a lot of time reading at the pool, on my deck or porch, and on the beach if I can. I have so many more hours to read because work doesn’t get in the way all summer. Reading brings me joy! I am also setting the number at 2 or more because that doesn’t allow as much time for scrolling on my phone, which doesn’t bring me as much joy in the long run.

4. Take advantage of time with people.

Even though I just said I want to read more, I also want to put my book down and enjoy the time with my kids, Jeff, family, and friends. When we are sitting poolside together or in the car, I want to talk and play with the people around me.

5. Learn to French braid.

Do you know that I set this as a goal in May 2023 and I still can’t do it? A few of the lifeguards at the pool are really good at it and I asked them if they’d teach me. Great news – at least one guard said she’d help me.

6. Tackle/purge a few areas in our house.

Like every spring, I let a few things pile up with the mentality that I’ll get to it in the summer. I have a few spots that need my attention this summer: my desk, our school supplies shelves, the guestroom bed and closet, and the coat closet. I’d also like to go through the boys’ rooms with them to get rid of things they don’t use or want anymore.

7. Eat an in season fresh fruit or vegetable at most meals.

We aren’t doing the CSA this summer, but I want to be sure to include those fresh fruits and veggies at most of our meals. They are one of my favorite things about summer!

8. Take time to move and rest every day.

I am happiest when I move my body every day – running, walking, strength training, or yoga – but I also want to make rest a priority. I want to get at least 7 hours of sleep each day.

There we have it. I am going to get stronger, learn something new, enjoy the people around me, eat well, get some things in order, and rest. If this all goes as planned, I should be in top form come August 26 when I go back to work. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!