A Summer Bucket List That Will Bring Magic into Your Everyday Life Again

Remember when we were children, and summer was magical? Daylight seemed to stretch for an eternity—and eventually, the world faded into enchanted evenings full of twinkling stars and fireflies. Without school, we had nothing to do but explore, dream, and play. Some of our best and most wholesome memories came from those three humid months of freedom.

But for most of us, adulthood stole that magic and freedom from us. We got lost in our careers and responsibilities, and the months started blending together. Then somewhere along the way, we lost sight of the beauty of the season. Sure, we might spend months planning lavish vacations, but how many times do we hear people say, “I need a vacation from my vacation”? We try to pack all our meaningful memories into two weeks of PTO, which turns into a stressful chore. In reality, our most precious moments are often much smaller—juicy peaches dripping down our faces, the smell of the earth after a thunderstorm, a choir of crickets singing after sunset, devouring a page-turner on the porch, or wandering down the path to your favorite waterfall.

For some reason, many adults believe that leaving all the youthful wonder behind is part of growing up. But it’s not. So we challenge you to this simple, inexpensive bucket list that will remind you to stop living for your boss, your paycheck, and your social calendar. Instead, you will remember what it feels like to live for yourself, too.

Image by Ryan Byrne @ryanbyrne

Your Summer Morning Bucket List

1.) Wake up before the rest of the house.

2.) Drink your coffee or tea outside while the birds are singing.

3.) Watch the sunrise at least once.

4.) Walk barefoot through dewy grass.

5.) Open every window before it gets hot.

6.) Visit a farmers market first thing in the morning.

7.) Pick fresh herbs for breakfast.

Okay, we know that not everyone is a morning person. But we promise, early dawn brings a unique peacefulness that you should experience. If you really give it a fair chance, you might actually become a morning person. It is the best time of day to truly feel disconnected from the busyness of the world.

At least a few days this summer, have your alarm wake you up before your family, roommates, or pets. Brew your coffee or tea, and step outside to “touch grass” while the blades are still covered in dew and the misty fog is still hovering. The fresh sunlight will feel therapeutic and help energize your body. Watch the colors of the sunrise and listen to nature awaken.

While the day still has the early-morning chill, open all your windows and clean out the stale air trapped from the hot afternoons. Grab your keys and head to your local farmer’s market to pick out fresh meats and produce for the day. This is when you can escape, get some perspective, and calm your nervous system.

Photo by Sandie Clarke @honeypoppet

Your Homesteading Bucket List

8.) Hang your laundry outside to dry.

9.) Eat dinner outside.

10.) Plant a garden.

11.) Build an outdoor reading nook.

12.) Keep a vase filled with your homegrown flowers.

13.) Study the firefly synchronization.

15.) Sit outside during a thunderstorm (from a safe place, of course).

Home is SUPPOSED to be where the heart is, which is cliché, we know. But it’s so true. When we create a home, we connect with it and stamp it with our style and passions. That way, it’s our unique safe place away from the rest of the world. But for many, homes are just landing places for us to crash after busy days. So this section of your summer bucket list will help you appreciate and live where you live.

Each day, find purpose and joy within your home. Instead of throwing your laundry into the dryer, hang it outside so your clothes smell like sun-soaked linens. Find new recipes for your farmer’s market finds and spend time creating exciting meals that you can enjoy on your patio. Instead of bringing your phone to the dinner table, take in the sights. Study the synchronization of the fireflies. Watch a storm roll across the horizon and notice the smell of the damp earth. Or simply sit and listen to the crickets and frogs sing. If you live in the city, enjoy the beautiful skyline and watch the rest of the world change pace as the sun sets.

You can also add a few projects to your summer days that will turn your home into a personal sanctuary. Plant a garden with flowers and produce you will enjoy all season. Fruits and vegetables are the healthiest when they’re fresh-picked from your own backyard. For some reason, they also taste better when they’re home-grown. And having vases of sweet-smelling flowers always brightens a room. Another suggestion—an outdoor reading space. Devouring a book is peak escapism, and doing it as the wind blows through your hair elevates the experience. You can go wild and invest in cozy chairs and fancy string lights. Or you can just tie a hammock to your favorite tree.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato @giorgiotrovato

Your Adventure Bucket List

16.) Learn about your local wildlife.

17.) Google the most beautiful spots in your area and schedule day trips to visit them.

19.) Go berry picking.

20.) Study photography and snap pictures of your local views.

And finally, add some adventure to your life. You don’t need to travel the world to do so. You can find the magic in your own neighborhood.

During your free time, study your local wildlife. Learn about the animals living in your backyard. Find the local farmers who offer you-pick berries.

If you want to branch out more, research the most breathtaking spots within a reasonable distance to your home. Google will help you discover lookout spots, waterfalls, lakes, and other unique spots that only the locals know. While you’re exploring, try your hand at photography. If you catch some good shots, you can fill your walls with your own beautiful work.

This story’s featured image is by Artem Kovalev artemkovalev