I’ve recently begun to realize how far behind I’ve fallen on my way toward self-improvement. For many months, I have been stuck in the dregs of this pandemic, dragged down with the inertia of isolation and hopelessness. Any energy I had was spent trying to keep from drowning under the weight of disappointment, heartbreak, and loneliness.

Now, the summer stretches on before me, with long hours of unstructured time. I don’t do well without external pressures and expectations; my focus becomes diluted by the sheer number of hours to fill. For the first time in many years I don’t have so much as a single class scheduled, so I’ve been thinking for awhile about what to do to structure my time off.

After turning many ideas and strategies over in my mind, here is what I typed up for myself.

Clean Slate Summer 2021

Intentions

I intend to spend this summer organizing and curating my life. A new job in the fall means a fresh start, and I realize the window of opportunity I have to begin my thoughts, attitudes, and habits anew. A clean slate means wiping away past choices without judgement, and moving forward with lessons learned and the intentionality of the moment. 

Form and Structure

-1 hour concentrated sessions:

Though the 20 Plenty Structure works well, I believe I can accomplish deeper work in a longer frame of time. I see 20 Plenty as an important way to stay on top of things during the school year, but with long summer days ahead, I can spare an hour for even more thoughtful work. 

Clean

Drawers, closets,  and porch, plus all of the everyday upkeep. Curating my book collection, pictures, and clothing all fit into this session. 

School

This will be the summer I work in a focused and intentional way to write my curriculum. I will create ways to organize my resources- both online and books/print.

Yard

Kindling collection, weeding, trimming plants, and clearing out brush are all things I would like to do around the yard. Brushing off spider webs and refilling the hummingbird feeder also fall into this session.

Write

No limit on what kind of writing. Cookbook, ReBel, creative fiction, daily reflections- handwritten or on Pages.

Read

This time will be easily spent on current read- Lonesome Dove. I would like to branch out more into journals/periodicals like The Atlantic.

Music

Organizing playlists for life and school, practicing flute, piano, guitar, ukulele, Soundtrap, or simply listening.

Intentions Beyond 1 Hour Session Work

Communication both personal and professional

Cooking/healthy food choices

Keeping the kitchen and coffee table clean and clear.

I see this summer’s challenge clearly and I know myself well enough to expect to struggle. I feel confident that I’ve designed as best a system as I can with what’s available to me, and though it would be amazing to emerge this fall with a brilliantly crafted curriculum, a clean and organized house, and pages of ReBel post drafts, my real goal is simply to follow-through. To keep going. To not give up and to trust myself to do what I deep down know is best for me.