Summer. It's a season etched in our memories with the scent of sunscreen, the sound of ice cream trucks, and the promise of longer, lazier days. But we know "lazier" can sometimes just mean "differently busy." We yearn to romanticize it – to live out those sun-drenched, carefree vibes we see in movies or remember from our own childhoods. But how do we truly do that amidst the laundry, the meltdowns, and the endless meal prep?
As we approach the end of July, and my own unique summer season as a stay-at-home mom with little ones draws to a close, I've been intentionally leaning into what it means to truly savor every last bit. It's not about perfection; it's about perspective and presence. It's about finding the magic in the real, messy, beautiful moments that make up our family life.
So, how can we truly romanticize summer ourselves and with our families, making the most of every precious moment before the new rhythms of fall take over? It comes down to cultivating a mindset and sprinkling intention into our days.
Embrace the Sensory Symphony
Romanticizing summer starts with engaging all your senses. Think beyond just "seeing" summer and actively drink it in.
Taste: Savor a juicy slice of watermelon, a perfectly ripe peach, or the melting joy of a popsicle. Don't rush; let the flavors linger.
Smell: Notice the scent of freshly cut grass, rain on hot pavement, barbecue smoke drifting through the air, or the unique smell of sunscreen. These are memory triggers.
Sound: Tune into the chirping of crickets at dusk, the distant laughter of children playing, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, or the happy splash of water.
Touch: Feel the warm sunshine on your skin, the cool grass beneath your bare feet, or the refreshing splash of water from a sprinkler.
Sight: Take a moment to truly see the vibrant colors of hydrangeas, the golden light of sunset, or the playful dance of a butterfly.
By intentionally slowing down to notice these simple sensory details, you transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories, making them feel richer and more lasting.
Weave Whimsy into the Everyday
Whimsy isn't just for fairy tales; it's a choice to find delight and lightness in your day. And us moms, we are the architects of our family's joy.
Playful Mornings: Start with a gentle wake-up routine – perhaps reading a short, inspiring verse before the kids burst in, or simply savoring your morning coffee on the porch as the world awakens.
Midday Adventures: Turn a mundane errand into a scavenger hunt for a specific color, or pull over to explore a new park for 15 minutes. Pack a spontaneous picnic lunch instead of eating at the table.
Enchanted Evenings: Chase fireflies, look for shapes in the clouds, have a glow-stick dance party, or stargaze in your backyard. These simple, unplanned moments often become the most cherished.
Simple Celebrations: Declare a "Popsicle Day" or "Water Fight Wednesday." Small, unexpected treats break the routine and infuse joy.
It's about embracing the spontaneous, the silly, and the imaginative – because that's where true, uninhibited joy often resides.
Cultivate Grace Over Grind
Perhaps the most crucial aspect of romanticizing summer for me is letting go of the pressure to be perfect and embracing grace. Summer plans often unravel, schedules get derailed, and kids (moms, too!) have off days.
Release the "Shoulds": It's okay if your summer doesn't look like an Instagram reel. Focus on connection over perfection, and joy over a perfectly executed plan.
Embrace Flexibility: Be open to changing plans or seizing unexpected opportunities. Sometimes the best memories are made when you throw the schedule out the window.
Practice Self-Compassion: Give yourself grace on the days you feel overwhelmed. Acknowledge your efforts, take a quiet moment when you can, and remember that your presence and love are the most important gifts.
Find Renewal in Unplanned Moments: A sudden summer storm might derail your outdoor plans, but it could lead to an impromptu board game session or a cozy read-aloud. See these detours as opportunities for a different kind of joy and a spontaneous soul reset.
To help you fully inhabit and savor these last weeks, here's a little list of whimsical and meaningful ways to romanticize the season, for you and for your family:
For You (Your Solo Moments of Whimsy & Renewal)
Sunrise Sips: Wake just 10 minutes earlier to enjoy your coffee or tea on the porch or by a window as the sun rises. Listen to the quiet.
Barefoot & Present: Take a moment to step outside barefoot – feel the grass, the warm pavement, or the cool earth beneath your feet. Ground yourself.
Window Wish-Watching: Spend five minutes simply gazing out a window. Watch the clouds, the trees swaying, or observe the local birds. Let your mind wander gently.
Morning Pages (Mini Version): Grab a notebook and pen and free-write for 3-5 minutes, clearing your mind before the day's demands begin.
Golden Hour Movement: As the sun begins to set, take a short, mindful walk around your block or backyard, appreciating the softening light and gentle breeze.
One Song Dance Party: When no one's watching, put on your favorite upbeat song and simply dance for the full duration of the song, releasing energy and embracing joy.
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt: Throughout the day, actively look for three small, specific things to be grateful for (the perfect temperature of your drink, a child's laugh, a pretty cloud) and quietly acknowledge them.
For Families (Shared Moments of Magic & Connection)
Backyard Stargazing/Cloud Gazing: Lay a blanket out at night and look for stars, or lay in the grass during the day and find shapes in the clouds.
"Popsicle on the Porch" Hour: Declare a specific time for everyone to enjoy popsicles together on the porch or patio, with no screens, just conversation.
Nature's Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple list of things to find in your backyard or a local park (a specific leaf, a smooth stone, a feather, something red) and go exploring.
DIY Sprinkler Fun: Hook up the sprinkler and let everyone run through it. Simple, classic, and always a hit for cooling off and creating laughter.
Story Time Under the Trees: Grab a favorite picture book and read it aloud under a shady tree in your yard or a park.
Chasing Fireflies (and Releasing Them!): On warm evenings, grab a jar and gently catch fireflies, marveling at their light, then release them back into the night.
Build a Blanket Fort: Bring out blankets and pillows and construct a cozy fort indoors. Pack a few snacks and books inside for a magical "hideaway" experience.
Romanticizing summer isn't about avoiding the challenges life throws at us, it's about choosing to see the beauty, the wonder, and the grace within it all. It's about filling your own cup through mindful moments, infusing your family life with whimsy, and allowing the unhurried spirit of the season to wash over your soul. As we head into these final weeks of summer, let's romanticize every second that we can!
