The Summer You Actually Needed: Slowing Down, Showing Up for Yourself, and Letting It Be Enough
Somewhere between the pressure to “make the most of summer” and the longing to finally rest, many of us find ourselves caught in a quiet tug-of-war.
We enter July with the weight of accumulated fatigue - from caregiving, holding space for others, navigating complex family relationships, or just staying afloat in a world that doesn’t always make room for pause.
Even summer, with all its light and warmth, can feel like another expectation to rise to.
But what if this summer didn’t need to be productive or even memorable?
What if it could just be restorative?
Permission to Let It Be Simple
You don’t need to fill your calendar to make the most of this season.
In fact, some of the most powerful acts of care are small, almost invisible to others:
Saying no without explaining yourself
Making a meal that actually nourishes you
Noticing when you’re overwhelmed before you hit a wall
Letting someone else wait instead of pushing through your own limits
These are not lazy decisions - they are deeply intentional boundaries, and they count.
Caring for Yourself When You’re “Fine” but Tired
Many of my clients are women who function well. They show up, lead, help, manage. From the outside, everything looks good.
But inside, there's a quiet depletion that builds over time.
Summer can offer a window to tend to that depletion - not with a makeover or a morning routine overhaul, but with gentler, more compassionate rituals:
Five minutes outside without a phone
Checking in with your body before saying yes
A slow walk with no agenda
Not apologizing for needing space
You deserve more than maintenance mode. You deserve spaciousness.
🪷 What Might This Season Be Asking of You?
This isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about becoming more honest with yourself.
What have you been overriding?
What would it feel like to take yourself seriously - not just in crisis, but daily?
Who or what drains you that you can choose differently around?
You don’t need to fix everything. But noticing is a powerful start.
🧘♀️ A Grounding Practice to Try This Week
Hand on Heart, Hand on Belly
Sit or lie down somewhere quiet.
Place one hand on your heart, the other on your belly.
Breathe slowly and gently for one minute.
Let your body answer: What do I need right now?
Even if the answer is “I don’t know,” you’ve created space. That matters.
If you’re looking for more ways to connect inward this season, I’ll be sharing more reflections and practices in my newsletter - you can sign up for it here
And if you’re considering 1:1 support this summer or fall - whether individual, couples, or family therapy - feel free to reach out here.
✨ You don’t have to wait until burnout to take yourself seriously.
