10 Things I’m Letting Go of This Summer (So I Can Actually Enjoy It)

Every summer, there’s a quiet pressure—sometimes loud, sometimes subtle—to make it count. To make the most of the sunshine, the long evenings, the school holidays, the so-called “free time.

But the truth is, for many of us, summer still holds the chaos of everyday life—just with brighter skies and later bedtimes.

This year, I’m trying something different. I’m letting go this summer. Not of everything, of course. Just of the things that feel heavy, unrealistic, or that pull me away from the parts of summer I actually love.

I’m not chasing a perfect summer. I’m choosing a slower one. A more grounded one. One that leaves space to exhale.

1. Feeling Guilty for Sitting Down Midday

There’s always something to be done. But I’m learning to sit anyway. With a book, with a cup of tea, with my own thoughts. Because rest isn’t something to be earned—it’s something we’re all allowed.

2. The Belief That I Must Be Productive 24/7

The pressure to do more, make more, stay on top of it all—it doesn’t take a holiday just because it’s summer. But I’m learning to pause. Pottering is productive. So is reading. So is simply being.

3. Holding Onto That Summer Dress That Doesn’t Feel Like Me Anymore

Even if it was expensive. Even if it once fit perfectly. I’m letting go this summer of anything that no longer feels like home on my body—including clothes that once did.

4. Overscheduling Our Days

We don’t need to fill every blank space in the diary. Some of the loveliest days are the ones we don’t plan—the ones that unfold slowly, with no fixed destination.

5. Feeling Like I Have to Say Yes to Every Invitation

I’m allowed to protect my peace. We all are. Not every BBQ needs our RSVP. Not every outing is essential. Sometimes, staying in is exactly what we need.

6. The Comparison Trap (Especially Online)

Scrolling can feel inspiring—until it doesn’t. I’m reminding myself that someone else’s curated highlight reel isn’t the full story. My real, messy, ordinary summer is beautiful too.

7. Feeling Like We Need Big Days Out Every Week

Summer isn’t measured in ticket stubs and travel plans. It’s found in garden picnics, impromptu walks, or a run through the sprinkler. We’re making room for little moments that don’t need packing lists.

8. Tidying Constantly Instead of Enjoying the Happy Chaos

The kitchen will be messy. The hall will be full of shoes. The garden toys will be everywhere. But I’m letting go this summer of the idea that the house has to be spotless for it to be enjoyable.

9. The Pressure to Make Every Meal Look Instagram-Worthy

Pretty plates are lovely—but some of our favourite summer dinners are bowls of pasta, sandwiches on the go, or fruit on a picnic rug. Nourishing doesn’t need to be curated.

10. Trying to Do Everything Myself

I’m letting go this summer of the belief that it only counts if I do it all. This season, I’m asking for help. Delegating a little. Sharing the load. We were never meant to carry it alone.

Closing Reflection

This summer, I’m not aiming to do it all, be everywhere, or stay on top of everything. I’m letting go this summer of pressure. I’m leaning into slow mornings, messy days, and moments that feel like mine.

If you’re letting go of a few things too, I see you. You’re not alone.

A few things helping me embrace a slower summer: (This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.)
• This gentle, guided journal I dip into most mornings.
• My current summer read (a quiet little book that’s staying with me).
• A beautiful notebook for jotting down thoughts, ideas, or simply the little joys.

What are you letting go of this summer?

Come join the chat on Instagram @ourlittlehouseinthecountry—I’ve shared the reel that inspired this post there. Or leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you.

Chat soon,

Ciara

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A post shared by Ciara Winters | Our Little House in the Country (@ourlittlehouseinthecountry)

Also on the blog…

• What is Intentional Living – The Beginner’s Guide to Slow Living
  Explore how aligning daily choices with your values can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• How to Slow Down in Spring: 10 Simple Ways to Embrace the Season
  Discover practical tips to embrace the slower pace of spring and find joy in the season.
• The Lonely Side of Personal Growth – It Takes Time to Settle Into a New Season
  Reflect on the challenges and rewards of personal growth during transitional periods.
• What Is Slow Living, Really? – Part One of Our Slow Living Series
  An introduction to the principles of slow living and how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

📚 Further Reading: Embracing Realistic Slow and Seasonal Living

If you’re interested in exploring more about intentional and seasonal living, here are some insightful articles that offer practical advice and relatable experiences:

• Seasonal Slow Living: A Simple Way to Approach Slow Living
  This article introduces the concept of seasonal slow living, offering accessible ways to align your lifestyle with the rhythms of nature. It provides practical tips and prompts to help you embrace each season mindfully.
• Slow Living Isn’t Always Easy Living
  A candid reflection on the challenges of adopting a slow lifestyle in a fast-paced world. The author shares personal experiences and emphasizes that slow living is about intentional choices, not perfection.
• Your Seasonal Guide to Slow Living: Finding Balance Through Nature’s Rhythms
  Explore how tuning into the natural shifts of the year can guide your energy, habits, and focus. This guide offers insights into adapting your lifestyle to the seasons for a more balanced life.

These readings provide diverse perspectives on embracing a slower, more intentional way of living, grounded in real-life experiences and practical advice.