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A Different Kind Of Summer Bucket List

June 24, 2013

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Do you make a bucket list for summer?

Do you fill it with activities, trips and lists of things you just must see and do?

We used to, but now we do this instead.

FInd Joy in The Journey

There's a lot of talk, now, about summer bucket lists. 

It's a tradition long honored in my family that started years ago with inspiration from an episode of Arthur, the cartoon aardvark featured on PBS.

Each June we get out pencil and paper and dream big, including trips to the beach, zoos, parks and vacations.

We add game days, holiday parties, movie nights and dates with friends.

Of course, as the kids have gotten older, the lists have matured, but essentially, they are a record of things we want to accomplish during the summer break.

Places we want to visit.

Activities we believe will bring us joy.

Ways to spend the warm days until the fall rolls around again.

Green grass in metal pots on windowsil

However this year, in keeping with the tone of my blog, I have decided to add something new to the list, something general and broad to the top of the page.

More than the excursions and treats we have planned for this summer, no matter what the day brings, I want to find something to make me smile.

To recognize the beauty the everyday. Just like the tagline says.

Even if it rains.

Even if we get sunburned.

Even if we never get to check off even one of  those boxes on that bucket list, I want to be able to say that every day I enjoyed at least one moment of loveliness.

That's it. 

I started this blog as part of a personal quest to try to find that beauty.

Girls' Feet in the grass

For a long time, all I noticed were the awful moments, the accidents and illness, tantrums and tempers.

They were the bits that defined the day.

Since I started writing back in March, whether it be the décor in my home, my wonderful family or the laughter provided by recounting a humorous story, I find myself more inclined to notice those moments and appreciate them.

I think I smile more. I know I laugh more.

Sunset at The Beach

So while we'll sit down with our supplies again today and plan our ideal summer vacation, I'll also be crafting a blank list, a framework that I plan to fill up each day, with things that made me smile.

Crafting, walking on the shoreline, playing with fabric and painting by numbers

And while this season's list of laugh lines may not help my middle aged complexion, I'm sure it will do wonders for my summer soul.

Bucket List For Summer

What are you planning this summer?
Kim Signature


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  1. We too have always had a summer list, and I started a 100 Goals list long before The Bucket List came out.

    One of my goals this summer is for us to do something each week that we have never done before. It is fun to come up with a different place to visit or different way to spend our day.

    Life is too short to spend any time on the negative.

    Have a lovely day with lots of little "good" things in it.

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    1. I totally agree~ positivity rules! Thanks so much for comment and stopping by to share your summer plan! It's a great idea!

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  2. Oh, I love this! Having a blank list to fill with happy things is a great way to look for the beauty in the everyday things! It's such a great plan to keep a positive attitude and try to enjoy every moment with your kids. I call it living the depth of the moment. We all live the length of each moment - that happens automatically just as time passes. But to truly live the depth of each moment, to find the joy, happiness, and emotions of the moment takes a bit more conscience awareness. I'm glad I found you through Bloppy Bloggers. I make my home at www.RocksNoSaltMommy.com. Hopefully you can stop by sometime!

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    1. Elizabeth, thanks so much for stopping by! I love your comment about the depth of the moment. I have to keep that one in my brain. I do try to live mindfully (not always easy to do with the kids' hustle and bustle), but I agree, consciousness is the key!

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    1. Thanks so much! It's all about the attitude! :)

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  4. This is great! I also do my best to live in the moment and be mindful in how I spend my time with my children ~ that's what my blog is about {also found you through Bloppy Bloggers}. I think blogging is a wonderful gift, because it makes us look more deeply at things ~ what could I write about this? To describe our lives to strangers online requires some explanation and introspection that makes us see the everyday differently. Such an unexpected gift of blogging!

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    1. I completely agree, Sarah! Can't wait to check out your blog! :)

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  5. Thanks so much, I would love to pop by! It sounds like a great link up and a place for me to gather some inspiration, as well!

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  6. Great idea. Think I will do it with the kids and hubbie this weekend.
    Keep finding something positive and good each day....another good idea...

    Tracy

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    1. I'm trying~ the blog keeps me honest~ and thanks!

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  7. President Monson seems to hit right to the heart in his talks. The journey IS what it's all about and finding joy in our journey makes all the difference. I ♥ your post! Thanks!

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by to read it Becky Jane. I do really like that quote!

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  8. Very nice. Marcus and I are working on our summer to-do list and I think I'll take your lead on that plan.

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    1. I'm glad you found some inspiration, Mardra! Happy summer!

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  9. Kim love this! I'm going to start a summer bucket list; not sure where I've been as I haven't heard of this.
    I started a journal while pregnant and continued it sporadically for my daughter; one side of the paper were things she did that made me smile and other side is her side of things I found that made her smile.
    Reading your post is my reminder from the universe, I should get back to filling her journal until she can write in it for herself.

    Thanks for your inspiration again!

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    1. Oh, I love your smile journal! That is adorable and what a great keepsake for both you and your daughter! You have just inspired me! :)

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  10. Sounds awesome! Are you familiar with the Smile Epidemic? Definitely check them out (http://www.thesmileepidemic.com/smiles/). People complete #30daysofhappiness and share what makes them smile each day for the 30 days. I did it and got my kids involved. It was great! (Here's my post on it, if you're interested - http://anotherjennifer.com/philanthropy-friday-smile-and-change-your-world/.

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    1. Thanks Jennifer! I am totally going to check it out! :)

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  11. This is the first summer we did not make a summer bucket list because my kids are older, one of them off at camps, working, etc., and didn't want to make one. It made me sad, but I am wishing I had made one for myself! There is still some summer left, time to make the list of the things not that I want to do, but maybe not do! Anyhow, love your blog, visiting from Too Much Time. -K

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    1. Thanks and I get it, my kids are rapidly approaching that age of independence, too. We are just not all together, all day the way we were when they were little. I guess that's why it's important to me to enjoy whatever we do together...even if it's just sharing a laugh over breakfast, before we all go our separate ways for the day!

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