Issue #78: Permission to Say YES to Yourself This Summer

On prioritizing rest during the busy Summer months.

Photo by Kadir Celep via Unsplash

Happy Wednesday friend!

On Sunday, I briefly mentioned how busy May and June are for me and my family. Holidays, birthdays, events, and gatherings have completely taken over my calendar without sign of letting up for another few weeks.

You would think that because we typically have more time during the Summer months we would slow our pace and finally calm down from the “New Year, New Me hustle”, but every single year it feels like the exact opposite happens. Instead of relaxing in the shade, we’re running after kids in the sun. Instead of stopping to notice how beautiful the environment around us has changed, we’re rushing on to the next event.

Throw in the many responsibilities of work and entrepreneurship, and you’re likely to become burnt out before the holiday season begins.

But just because the sun is setting later and you have a little more time to play, doesn’t mean you have to fill up that time with obligations that are just going to run you ragged.

Consider this your permission to say yes to YOU during this season.

Say “no” to any obligations that are not going to spark joy.

Adjust your daily schedule so that you’re getting in your ME Hour.

Spend some time outside touching grass and getting that Vitamin D. (especially if you’re a Black woman)

Slow down and document your thoughts and notice what’s changing around you.

Try out a new hobby that you can be perfectly bad at.

Summer does not have to mean doing more. You can say no and you can continue to make yourself a priority even when the entire world seems to be moving non-stop.

Cheers to a restful season.

– Alisha

GOOD FINDS

💄 Managing life as a multi-hyphenate woman. – DVN Oasis

💻 How to use AI to ease your mind. – The Good Trade

💰 Better your job search with these 7 tips. – The Everygirl

📚 The Summer’s 40 Most Anticipated Books – Bustle

ICYMI

DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE