By Amanda Delamer, MSc, ACC, CPCC
This summer is going to be a time to relax and replenish – Really! You’ve got kids’ summer camps and activities lined up, vacations booked, and dates in the calendar for when guests will be visiting – all wonderful things to look forward to and you know that what starts out as “manageable” can sometimes end up feeling overwhelming and not so fun. Don’t forget about you and what you enjoy! Get intentional about what you want your summer to look and feel like, so you’re not exhausted and longing for September to come.
We spend much of the year getting our kids to gymnastics, dance, soccer and hockey. When we can, we fit in time for a yoga class and the gym. We end many of our days and begin many of our mornings preparing lunches and planning out our days ahead. Summer often brings a sense of relief, a time to let out a large exhale and slow down, a time to take it “easy”, and dream of all those things we have been saying we were going to do over the summer.
What would it feel like to end the summer on a high note? What would a “successful” summer look like for you? What are you dreaming about doing for yourself, for your family, for your home, for your community this summer? Get intentional, and make your summer amazing!
Make it a summer of self-care – consider what RnR looks like for you, what brings you joy, what you want more of, what you want less of, what you want to prioritize and how planning and intention can support you. Rest and relaxation looks different for each of us. At times a glass of wine and a long bath or curling up with a great book helps us rest and replenish, other times it might be going for a long run or yoga class. Honour and listen to your inner knowing – what helps us rest and replenish may look different from day to day.
What brings me joy? Alone time, connecting with your kids, date nights with your partner, long walks by the river?
Whatever it is, honour that it is important to you. You know what brings you joy, and you know what drains you. Make this summer the one where you get really good at saying “no” to those things that drain you, and “yes!” to those things that bring you joy. If you find yourself vacationing with extended family or friends, and it won’t bring you joy to go along with the group for a long hike, honour yourself and opt out – stay back and read a book on the patio, if that is what brings you joy.
What’s the priority? Being active, getting out every day with the kids, completing those photo books you have been putting off, cleaning out those two cupboards in the kitchen, organising the pantry, staining the fence – and the list goes on. At the end of the day, what is most important for you? You can’t do it all at once – stop beating yourself up when you don’t get to every “wish” on your list every day. Prioritize, and choose those activities or “to do’s” that feel most rewarding and fulfilling.
To schedule or not to schedule? The school year is full of routine and scheduled activities and events. What do you want your summer to feel like? The same? Different? I know I let out a huge exhale when all of the after school and weekend activities wrapped up. I know I want my summer to have less “have to be there by” and more “what do we feel like doing now?” I also know that one of my kids thrives on routine. I’m looking forward to creating a balance this summer that honours both myself and my children.
Self Awareness Coach NW Calgary
Coaching helps you get clear on and honour what you value, what is truly important for you, and it supports you in getting from where you are to where you want to be. It is a wonderful way to commit to making self-care and taking care of you a priority. And it keeps you accountable. Whether you’re looking for help to create the summer, fall or life you’ve always wanted, working with a Coach is such a fulfilling path to achieving your goals. Make coaching part of your regular self-care routine, and let it support you in getting intentional.
SUMMER PROMOTION – Sign up for 3 months of coaching and get a 4th month free! Book your complimentary sample session today – Call 403-452-6262!
Amanda is a self-awareness and fulfillment coach. Amanda coaches and supports people in living healthy, balanced and fulfilled lives. She coaches and honours the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Her clients experience fulfillment in all parts of their lives – health, family, relationships, career, and beyond – and they value and appreciate that all parts of their lives are connected, and that we all have responsibility in and for the world around us. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her loving husband and three inspiring children.