If you remember way back in January, I chose a word to live by in 2017 -- Savor. It is a daily reminder to myself that I need to slow down, pursue less, and enjoy the moment. Savoring isn't about making the most of the year in a more is more type of way. Savoring is more about sitting and dwelling on the moment, specially to appreciate it.
To savor is to have intentionality with time. To see what is happening and make a mental, physical, and emotional decision to enjoy. To collect the moments in time that are occurring right in front of me and allow myself to receive the happiness it provides. To delight in my child’s laughter and find pleasure in the warmth of a hug from my husband.
I love lists. I make them whenever is possible; however, I almost stayed away from a summer bucket list. I did not want to push the calendar full this summer. I did not want to cram ourselves with unrealistic expectations or desires that inevitably we would fall short. But then I remember that the little things that I can savor in can make our summer and I want them to evolve around three things: community, water, and food.
I did not come up with this on my own honestly. I stumbled upon a Today Show clip which lead me to this article and of course, it was the brilliant idea of one of my favorite author's, Jessica Turner. But who cares? I love the idea... and although Ollie is not old enough yet to shout out his requests, I can ensure that our summer will be great and we can do things to make this an amazing time to savor. So here is our summer bucket list.
- Play in the sprinkler
- Splash in the pool
- Wear some shades
- Enjoy some ice cream
- Go to the park
- Catch fireflies
- Look at the stars
- Visit the zoo
- Color with sidewalk chalk
- Host a neighborhood barbecue
- Be amazed by fireworks
- Plant a garden
- Splash in a puddle
- Go to the drive in theater
- Visit a farm
- Blow bubbles
- Go on a hike
- Celebrate Ollie turning one!
- Throw an outdoor dinner party
- Enjoy a backyard campfire
