If you’ve been following along with my journey, you know that last fall brought a wonderful, big shift when I returned to working outside the home. It has been an incredibly fulfilling season, but as any working mama or busy professional knows, a new routine means some of our quiet, slow-living habits naturally get put on the back burner. For me, that meant my beloved Bible study and journaling tote spent a little too much time sitting quietly in the corner of the room.
But with summer break finally here, I am intentionally carving out space to return to the rituals that ground me. My goal for these sun-drenched months is to refresh my stack, simplify the necessities, and make this canvas tote my constant companion. Whether I'm sipping my morning coffee before the household awakes or sipping an Olipop at the end of a busy day, I will make time for what I love again!
If you’re looking to refresh your own quiet time routine this season, here is a peek inside my updated, go-to summer study stack.
The Word: A Trusted Study Bible
Every good stack starts with the Text itself. I love a physical study Bible that allows room for diving deep into the context of what I'm reading. If you’re restarting after a hiatus like I am, don't worry about the pressure of a rigid, intensive pace. It’s all about creating consistent, quiet moments to reconnect.
The Guide: A Bible Study Book or Reading Calendar
To keep myself focused and give my mornings a little bit of structure, I always keep my current Bible study book or a seasonal reading calendar tucked inside. Having a clear roadmap for the day eliminates that "where do I start?" indecision and helps me slide right into a peaceful headspace.
The Structure: My Bullet Journal Planner
Summer routines can be beautifully fluid, but I still need a place to keep my days grounded. My bullet journal planner is an absolute necessity in my tote. It’s where I map out my weekly rhythms, track my habits, and keep my life organized in a way that feels creative rather than stressful.
The Reflection: My Daily Journal
Alongside my planner, a dedicated daily journal is a non-negotiable. This is where I process my thoughts, write down prayers, and practice a little bit of "brain-dumping" when my mind feels crowded. There is a distinct peace that comes from filling up blank pages while listening to the birds chirp on a quiet summer morning.
The Writing Tools: No-Bleed Pens, Markers, & Pencils
There is a simple joy in good stationery, and a sharp pencil is always a must for charting out initial ideas. For adding color and notes to my pages, you’ll find my favorite pouch filled with high-quality, no-bleed pens and markers. I love being able to underline, highlight, and write freely without worrying about ink leaking through to the other side of the page.
The Creative Touches: Seasonal Sticker Books & Journaling Stencils
Who says quiet time can't be fun and beautiful? To lean into the whimsical side of journaling, I’ve packed my tote with a few sticker books full of fun, seasonal stickers, alongside my go-to journaling stencils. They make customizing my bullet journal layouts and daily pages feel like a mini creative retreat.
Creating Your Own Ritual
The secret to making a study habit stick during a busy summer isn't about having a perfect, Instagram-worthy setup or spending hours at a desk. It’s about accessibility. By keeping all of my necessities packed neatly into one dedicated, grab-and-go tote, I eliminate the friction of having to gather my supplies every time I find a quiet thirty minutes. Wherever I go, my sanctuary goes with me.
Having this tote refreshed and ready is the perfect preparation for my upcoming Mid-Year Reset and Sparkling 75 Challenge starting on Monday, 6/15! Getting our minds right is the very best place to start.
In the comments below, I’d love to know: Do you have a dedicated spot or a tote bag for your quiet time? What is the one necessity you can’t study without?
