What’s Saving My Life, Summer Edition

In a season that is particularly full, the practice of reflecting on what’s ‘saving my life’ helps me appreciate the tools and rhythms that are keeping me afloat.

While many routines are constants for me, my daily walk, my electrolytes, starting the day with coffee, the-thousand-yard-stare, and reflection. There are a few things that stand out for this summer season.

Hopefully my own reflection of what’s saving my life makes space for you to reflect on the things keeping you afloat in this season. And if you’re so inclined, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.

Studio mornings and all-day Saturdays. I started my 4am studio shift seven years ago, and I see no reason to stop now. I’m a full time parent in the summer, while also attempting to work full time. Getting a handful of focused work hours in the mornings feels like my secret weapon. Combine that with working a couple of all-day Saturdays each month in the studio are keeping me afloat.

Bricking my phone. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I will reiterate how much that little square has helped me. I’ve heard there are workarounds that do the same thing without the brick, but the convenience of not having to figure that out and the fact that you really cannot override the app is incredible. Use ELLENMOTE at checkout for a discount.

Small projects of creativity. In addition to my Side Quest Summer endeavor, this summer I’ve made a few linocuts (part of my SUPERBLOOM release), a necklace, handmade paper, marbled paper, and have facilitated a few projects for kids creativity. Making little things that take an hour or two has been a fun connection point with my kids.

The daily walk. No podcast, or music. Sometimes with my kids, sometimes alone, it’s a non negotiable that my PCP calls free therapy. I agree.

Time completely away without my phone/the internet. My husband and I just returned from four days away without our kids or the internet and it was absolute bliss. My mind is so clear, I want to maintain this level of clarity by consistently leaving my phone on the other side of the house, or off altogether.

Letting things go. Plates are falling, and plans are being renegotiated for rest. I was hoping to take a lot of film photos this summer, but I haven’t loaded my camera and I’ve let the idea go that summer can only be remembered if captured on film. I’ve also let go of the idea that we must cross everything off the bucket list to have a good summer. What defines a good summer anyway?

My Appointed Planner. Every parent knows that summer can feel like a wild ride. My paper planner (weekly task planner) is one of the only things keeping me sane, and organized. The August 26-July 27 is available now if you’re looking for calendar reset for the upcoming 12 months.

“Aiming for Yes.” To smoothies, the hose the backyard, stopping at the park. I had an enlightening moment when I realized it cost me a lot more energy to say “no” to the endless requests, so we’ve had a lot of impromptu painting afternoons, batches of homemade lemonade, and forts in the living room.

Sunday night prayer. Our church offers Sunday Night Prayer every week in the summer, it’s a quick 20-30 minute service with prayer and scripture, with a lovely dinner afterwards. It’s been a wonderful routine to end the weekend with, in community with other parishioners. I love this rhythm!

The daily nap. I take a nap after lunch nearly everyday. I cherish the reset, Jim Collins refers to it as having two mornings, and I agree.

While my summer has been absolutely wonderful, I’m learning some things on how I might want to approach next summer (particularly, how to make it more chill).

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