Three Playful Goals for the Rest of Summer: Choosing Joy, Connection, and Becoming

 Somewhere along the way, summer can start to feel like a countdown.

We look at the calendar and think about everything we haven't done yet. The projects we haven't finished. The goals we haven't reached. The things we thought we would accomplish "by now."

But what if the rest of summer wasn't about catching up?

What if it was about noticing?

What if instead of trying to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of the season, we gave ourselves permission to play, explore, and enjoy the little moments that make life feel meaningful?

This summer, I'm choosing three playful goals. Not because I need another list of things to accomplish, but because I want to create more moments I'll remember.

Goal #1: Create a "Summer of Tiny Joys"

I want to collect little moments that make me smile. 

Not the big, picture-perfect moments. The ordinary ones.

The kind of moments that are easy to miss:

  • Drinking coffee somewhere new
  • Reading a book outside
  • Taking a photo of something beautiful
  • Getting ice cream just because
  • Sitting with my pets and enjoying their company
  • Watching a nostalgic movie
  • Taking a drive with no real destination
My goal is to collect 30 tiny joys before the summer ends.

Because sometimes happiness isn't something we find. Sometimes it's something we notice.

Goal #2: Make Magical Memories With My Pets

Our pets are only with us for a season of our lives, and I want to be intentional about making that season special.

This summer, I want to create little moments of joy for them--and for myself.

Maybe that looks like:
  • A special photo session
  • New enrichment activities
  • Backyard lounging days
  • Extra snuggles
  • Celebrating the silly things that make each pet unique
I want to remember this summer as the one where I slowed down enough to really enjoy my animals. 

Not just care for them.

Enjoy them.

Goal #3: Spend Time Becoming

For so long, I think many of us focus on who we're supposed to become. 

The healthier version.
The more successful version.
The more organized version.
The version who finally has everything figured out.

But becoming doesn't have to be about fixing ourselves.

Sometimes becoming is about rediscovering ourselves.

This summer, I want to spend a little time each day following my curiosity.

Maybe that means:
  • Writing
  • Brainstorming podcast ideas
  • Journaling
  • Praying and reflecting
  • Dreaming about future adventures
  • Exploring the things that make me feel alive
Not because I need to become someone else.

Because I want to continue growing into who I already am. 

A Different Kind of Summer Goal

Maybe your summer goals don't have to be about how much you accomplish.

Maybe they can be about how much you experience.

Maybe the goal isn't to have the most productive summer.

Maybe the goal is to have a summer that feels like you.

So here's my invitation: 

What are three playful goals you can choose for the rest of summer?

Not goals that pressure you.

Not goals that make you feel behind.

Goals that bring you joy.

Because we are all still becoming--and there is beauty in enjoying the journey along the way. 

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