mid-summer check in

thoughts on taking care

We are deep in the heat of summer and everything feels like it’s moving at warp speed. The gatherings and trips and after-work al fresco hangs are weaving themselves into joy-filled and tiring layers. So I’m wondering - how are you taking care?

Here are a few ideas to inspire a little care in your warm summer schedule: 

Last week, gathered around the edge of a pool playing backgammon and enjoying the sun, one of my friends cannon balled into the chilly water - out of nowhere, fully clothed. The laughter! The joy! The smiles! Every once and a while, imagine what your child self would do and dive in.

In the whirlwind of busy seasons, rest can become an afterthought. Scheduling down time into your calendar means it’s more likely to happen. But first, uncover what rest means to you. Reading a book? Taking a nap? Sitting in a chilly theater? Staring at the ceiling? I laid out seven accessible ways to find rest here, if you’d like some ideas. And remember, it’s okay to stay in.

Sometimes I’ll be halfway through the day and feel groggy, only to notice I haven’t had a full glass of water. Focus your routine on filling up and hydrating. In summertime, I’ll lean into fresh salads sprinkled with herbs, fruity frozen popsicles, summery tomato-filled pastas, and more water than I think I need.

August is a notoriously slow month, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself when whatever metrics you use to judge your success are lower than usual. Whenever I find I’m being rude to myself in my head, I take a moment to breathe and search for grace and a few kind words.

The ultimate pleasure, when it can be afforded, is to schedule an out of office response and soak in some time completely off the clock. Beginning Wednesday, I’ll be doing just that - I’ll see you again in a couple of weeks :)

Wishing you an August full of gentle care and fun.

I was so so lucky to take a quick trip to Italy with friends old and new, where I found some rest and peace and very beautiful old buildings. I have a family adventure coming up this week (I’ll be taking along this read) and am looking forward to settling into my new ceramics studio when I’m back - I’m longing to create some new work in that glorious Brooklyn light.

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⋰ email: grace@cadywest.com