What if slow was a superpower instead of a weakness? In our current fast-paced world, slow is seen as never good enough. But can you think of times when slowly planning and progressing has been best to make you and what’s important to you better in the long run? Read this article and use the journal prompts to help you plan your summer. – Coach Donna Marie

MY SLOW SIMMER SUMMER 

I am using this summer to slowly simmer all of my creative juices. If you’re a cook or a foodie, you know that only good things come from slowly simmering your food. All the flavors in the dish seep all the way through every bite when you let it just cook down on the lowest setting and slowly. This is what I’m doing to myself and my creativity for this summer. The goal is that when I’m ready to launch season 5 of the Plant Your Seeds of Transformation podcast in the late summer or early fall, every single interaction or piece of content will be absolutely delicious for my audience and clients. 

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS? 

Summertime can be a great time for families to focus more on family time without the normal daily distractions or weekly interruptions created by the school year. For many workers and business owners, summertime can offer more opportunities to get away for a retreat where you can rest, reflect, and be refreshed. 

Journal Prompts to Help You Plan Your Summer

What is your most important summer goal, and what will you put on your calendar and in your budget for it? Pick one or more of the following journal prompts to start planning your own slow summer with something that is realistic and attainable for you at this time of year. 

• Rest: Schedule dedicated downtime for relaxation and self-care. 
  • Date and Time ________ Budget $______ 

• Reflect: Set aside time to ponder your experiences and insights. 
  • Date and Time ________ Budget $______ 

• Refresh & Renew: Plan activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. 
  • Date and Time ________ Budget $______ 

MY SUMMER PRIORITIES 

I will share mine with you. I need more rest because my now more mature body (including my brain) is going through a major transition and experiencing things I have never experienced before. So, I am making more rest my top priority. This includes getting more help from a sleep doctor so I can sleep better. Unfortunately, a hefty co-pay is attached to this, but I am worth the time and the money needed to make my sleep better. 

As I rest more, I am also reflecting more. I am learning more about myself than I ever have before. I agree with what my wise father used to say: as I get older, I realize just how much I do not know. I am grateful to have behavioral health support which is helping me become more compassionate and gentler with myself during this self-discovery process. I am also grateful that I have the time and resources needed to stay consistent with managing my mental wellness. 

As I get more rest and reflect more, I am definitely being refreshed and renewed. My commitment to loving myself and taking better care of myself is definitely paying off, over time. There are no instant results here, but I have peace and joy in this journey. I am truly grateful and willing to be patient with my process. 

PROTECT YOUR SUMMER PLANS 

If you’re committing to do similar things for yourself during your summer, I hope that you are setting good boundaries around your plans so that you don’t allow anyone (or anything) to disrupt these plans. This is something that was hard for me in the past, but I am becoming better at setting and keeping my boundaries so that I can take better care of myself. If this is an ongoing struggle for you, you deserve support so you can learn and improve your boundary management. Listen to one of my podcast episodes where I discuss the topic of boundary-setting and let me know what information you found to be most helpful. 

• Who Helps the Caregivers: God and Good Boundaries – article link 
• Relationship Between Trauma Recovery and Good Boundaries – article link 
• What Can Black Women Do To Listen To Their Hearts, Set Boundaries, and Get Unstuck – article link 

Your summer has potential for immense power because there is power in planning and setting up sturdy boundaries that can support you for the rest of the year. Even when progress seems gradual, remember that each small step toward better self-care is a victory. During this warmer and brighter season, reflect on your journey. What specific small shifts can you make? What moments of rest, reflection, and renewal will you intentionally weave into your days (and your budget)? Put it on your calendar, and save money for it as part of your boundary management.

Share Your Insights: I’d love to hear from you. Reach out and let me know how this article has resonated with you. Maybe you will make your own summer plan to nourish your spirit, fuel your growth, and bring joy to your days.

As you think about this and prepare to plan, please remember that progress can be slow over time. It doesn’t have to be instant or fast. It is most important that whatever you do is intentional. Here’s to a summer of taking small purposeful steps!