Summer of Saying Yes to Life

The summer calendar fills fast. Meetings, projects, school supply lists. Deadlines don’t slow down for the season. And before you know it—it’s Labor Day. 

But here’s the thing: summer isn’t just for kids. 

You still deserve warm evenings, cold drinks, and time that’s yours. 

Time that’s unstructured, unscheduled, and unplugged. 

In a world that glorifies hustle, choosing rest is a radical move.  It’s also a necessary one.

Gallup’s 2023 report found that 44% of employees worldwide experience daily stress, with burnout continuing to rise across industries. And stress doesn’t just take a toll on productivity—it impacts your physical health, relationships, and long-term well-being. (Gallup Report)

But the remedy isn’t complicated. 

Even tiny moments of joy and connection—what researchers call micro-moments—can help. A real laugh. A shared lunch. A walk outside where your phone stays in your pocket. These moments recharge your brain, improve your mood, and remind you of who you are outside of your to-do list. 

So here’s your permission slip: 

• Say no to one more Zoom. 

• Eat the popsicle. 

• Sit on the porch. 

• Let the email wait. 

• Log off—and mean it. 

You only get so many summers. 

You only get one life. 

You don’t have to earn your rest. You just have to take it. 

This is your reminder: The work will still be there. But the sunsets? The slow mornings? The spontaneous laughter? 

Those are limited edition. Don’t miss them. 

This week’s nudge: Schedule something summery, just for you. Bonus points if it has nothing to do with work.