My plans for summer 2022
It’s been a while since I wrote a bit of a chatty catch up post here, so today I thought I’d do just that! When I first started blogging way back in 2012 or 2013, these were my favourite types of posts to write, and I still love reading them on other people’s blogs too, so I’m hoping to make them a more regular feature here.
I’m gonna kick off today by sharing my plans for summer 2022. I know it’s technically been summer for over a month now, but between work commitments, losing a loved one and catching the dreaded covid, I haven’t really had a chance to embrace this season just yet. But that’s about to change! Here’s how I’ll be making the most of the rest of the summer…
Taking some time off work
Back when I used to have a traditional corporate career, I used to dream about calm, restorative summers. Instead, I’d end up trying to squeeze in a short break using my limited annual leave that never left me feeling well rested. Now that I have the freedom to set my own working hours I want to make the most of it, and so for the next 6 weeks I’ll be working one week on, one week off. And on the weeks when I am working, I’ll be just doing the bare minimum. I love my work, but I also really value living, playing and resting, and I’m excited to prioritise those things in the next 6 weeks - I know I’ll feel so much more energised come September as a result!
Enjoy some live music
One of the things I missed most during the pandemic was live music, and this summer I’m really excited to make up for all of the dancing and singing we've missed out on during the last few years. I’ll be heading to a couple of festivals and have also got some gigs in the diary that I’m so looking forward to - is there anything more joyful than singing along to your fave bands with hundreds of other humans?!
Head to the seaside
It isn’t summer without a trip to the seaside, and in August we’ll be spending a week in Anglesey at my in-laws’ beautiful home. Anglesey is one of my favourite places in the world and I feel so lucky that having family there means we get to visit regularly. I’m looking forward to daily sea swims, lots of sunset watching and visiting some beautiful beaches. I’d also like to hike a little more of the coastal path as the views are always incredible.
Read lots of books
I kinda lost my reading bug in the last month or so thanks to everything that’s been going on, but I’m so excited to change that this summer! I’m hoping that less time working will create more space for lazy mornings racing through chapters, and I’ve got some brilliant books on my TBR (to be read) pile that I’m excited to dive into. Make sure you’re following me over on Instagram if you’d like to keep with my fave recommendations.
Work on some personal development
After spending the majority of 2020/21 head down in a pile of books studying for my Masters, I felt like I needed a bit of a break from personal development at the start of this year, but I must say that I’m getting the itch to learn and stretch myself again! I’ll be spending some of my downtime this summer working through some courses, thinking about my goals for the future and digging into some books and podcasts that can help me to think a little differently. I’m hoping that spending some time on myself will help me to bring lots of new ideas to life come the autumn.
Spend as much time as possible outside
Last but by certainly no means least on my summer bucket list is to spend as much time as possible outside! I love the long nights and warm temperatures at this time of year, and I want to really make the most of them. I’m planning lido swims, hikes with friends and as many al fresco dinners as the temperamental Yorkshire weather will allow!
What are your plans for this summer?