It doesn’t matter that I’ve been transitioning from spring and school to summer and fun for 40+ years. It feels like the massive shift in schedule, rhythm, temperature, and availability catches me by surprise every year.

My kids have been out of school for three weeks and I’m still finding my footing. I’ve already double-booked myself, forgot to add something to calendar, missed a few deadlines, and yelled at my kids (more than once).

Summer is the worst. Summer is my favorite.
(Ya, I know.)

RELATED, THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE EMOJI: 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫.

But as a staunch believer that “summertime is always the best of what might be”, I offer you five pointers to finding your sea legs this summer.

1️⃣ ANTICIPATE SEA LEGS.

There’s nothing worse than not expecting the unsteadiness and nauseating feeling when you go from super structure to super flexibility. Knowing it’s coming helps you make the transition quicker.

2️⃣ SET A SUMMER GOAL.

What’s one thing you want most from this season? Make it fun and totally achievable. Define it with as much specificity as possible. The higher degree of specificity, the higher degree of probability you will experience exactly “THAT” this summer!

3️⃣ REVIEW THE UPCOMING WEEK WITH YOURSELF &/OR SPOUSE.

Since summer schedules are soooooo different from the school year AND different from week-to-week, take 20-30 minutes every weekend to review the week ahead. It’ll minimize conflict and set healthier expectations for your family and work.

4️⃣ CREATE MARGIN WHEREVER POSSIBLE.

Part of what’s magical about the summer is the shift in schedule, so block times to soak it in. Literally, block out times and days in your calendar where you are creating space to enjoy this season. As much as it is possible, downshift your life so you can live into the gifts margin brings.

5️⃣ LET GO OF THE HUSTLE ‘N GRIND.

Just as I loathe the “get your body ready for summer” message, I also despise the language around “hustle and grind”. You are more than what you produce, Warrior. Slow your pace. Let your body and mind rest for periods of time. You’ll bear more fruit when you give the ground time to rest. Yes, you’ll be more productive afterward, but you’ll simply be more whole.

Here’s what’s wild about it all: perhaps summer sea legs are a gift in our wholeness journey.

Summer sea legs heightens our body’s awareness that a shift is happening. They alert us to the motion within and around us. They help us pay attention to where we’re walking. Ultimately they invite more freedom in our life and leadership.

I’m committed to more of that this summer. It’s taking me a little time to find my sea legs (yet again), but I’m already liking who I’m becoming this summer.