The Summer List

What fun do you want to have?

I’m not sure how it started, but a few years ago I began making seasonal to-do lists for fun.

I have so many lists for un-fun things, I wanted one for fun too.

If have lists that tell me to scrub the bathtub, go to the dentist, and file my taxes, shouldn’t I also have one that tells me to relax in a hammock, go kayaking, and meet with a friend for a picnic?

Those are things I find fun. Your list will look different.

I know people who set aside time each week to pick something off their list. Others cut their list in strips of paper and draw one strip out of a jar when they want a surprise fun date. You can do a family fun list with your kids/spouse as well. There are all sorts of ways to work with the list, but the first step is to make one.

I do mine seasonally, because the things I like to do vary with the time of year. A beach campfire with friends is fun in September, but a little soggy in February.

I’m starting us off here because we’re at the beginning of summer—and the idea of a summer list will not be new, especially to those who are raising kids. It’s common to make an activity list for summer.

But why should the kids have all the fun?

This season is fleeting, what fun do you want to make sure you have? What festivals or events do you want to attend? What friends do you want to see? Do you want to go camping or fishing or berry picking? Do you want to learn how to bake a pie? (or just eat a pie). Do you want to spend more time at a beach or pool? Do you just want one hour, three times a week, to read a book and not be interrupted?

If you get stumped, because it can happen, just think of the things you enjoyed as a child. Maybe you need to eat an ice cream sandwich while you dangle your feet in a lake. Maybe you need to look at stars while cozy under a blanket. Maybe you just need lemonade on a regular basis (I do).

Or, think of your favorite memories of summers past. What were you doing and what of it can you recreate?

It may sound simplistic, but the act of writing it down is key. Studies show people are 80% more likely to accomplish what they write on a list. I also find it useful to post the list somewhere you will see it on a regular basis. The visual reminder is good.

It may be simple, but these lists can have a powerful impact. Mine has changed my life in some pretty big ways.

Four years ago, I wrote on my winter list that I wanted to get a dog—after more than a decade thinking about it. I started the search in November, found Finn February, and brought him home in March—just in time for spring. I’m not sure it would have happened if I hadn’t added it to the list.

Finally, a word, especially to those who are strongly achievement oriented:

I never expect to check everything off my list. I don’t let the achievement aspect of this stress me out. This is a wish list—part desire, part daydream, part ideal world. I know not all of it will happen this year. Maybe not next year, either.

I generally get to about 60-75% of my list, depending on what else is going on in life. Sometimes I roll things over from year to year. Sometimes I realize I no longer want to do something, and that’s good too.

This is about FUN. There should be no pressure about having fun.

I made my list this weekend, and I invite you to make one of your own. Even if you do absolutely NOTHING on it, the process will teach you a little more about what you want, what you like, what you consider fun.

It will introduce you a little deeper to yourself.

I hope you enjoy the process ❤️

And don’t let the length of my list turn you off. I’ve been doing this a few years.
If you are starting out, I would aim for 5-7 items.
Colored pencils also optional, they just make me happy.

If you’d like to share some of your items, in comments at the bottom, I would love to see the things you enjoy. It would be great to share ideas and inspiration.