The Summer Bucket List Ritual That Has Stuck With Me
Take a peek inside my journal and get inspired.
When my kids were little, I started making a summer bucket list. Each of them would contribute their “must-do” items—things that made summer feel complete. Somewhere, I have a photo of one stuck to the fridge with goals like “have 10 sleepovers,” “make a cake,” and “go camping with Minnaw and Grandpa.”
When I started journaling again, summer bucket lists became a bullet journal priority. Even though we don’t make them as a family anymore, I found that the ritual was soothing. It helped ease my time anxiety—the feeling that summer might slip away if I didn’t make the most of it.
Not sure where to start?
Play with color and composition. The process is therapeutic.
Sometimes I break the list into categories:
House projects – the not-so-glamorous things I’ve been dying to get to (like replacing the broken tp holder.)
Artist dates – just-for-fun outings or creative things I’ve wanted to do all year but never seem to make time for during the school year.
Travel goals – both big and small. (And yes, “epic road trip” has made the list more than once.)
Simple luxuries – like reading in the sunshine with a glass of something sparkly, or journaling over a lavender latte at that little coffee shop that helps me pretend I’m in Paris.
Regardless of what makes the list, the goal of the journal spread is always the same: to create something playful and summery that captures the vibe of the season. This year, I’ve gone with a folksy feel that reflects the essence of my garden right now—a riot of colors, sweet peas, and curling vines.
Ready to try it? Click through the pics to see how I created this spread in my journal. And don’t forget to share your finished creations with me—I’d love to see them.
