Get your pens out –we’re writing our summer bucket lists!
No matter how much you love journaling, it’s important to build up ever part of life. At Write Your Wellness, we believe that you should always journal to live your life, NOT live life just to journal. There is something so important about creating a full, authentic life for yourself. Your journal can play a part in that.
Every year around this time, it’s nice to write out a bucket list of all the things you want to do this season. Not only is it fun, but it offers an opportunity to keep self promises and build self trust.
This guide will teach you exactly how to create the perfect Summer. But, if you want a little extra help, be sure to check out the Balanced Life Blueprint Worksheet (psst: it’s 100% free).
What is a Summer Bucket List
Originally, a “bucket list” was a list of things to do before you…well, “kicked the bucket”. You don’t have to be so dramatic when making a summer bucket list. This list is a collection of things you want to do, try, or see before the warm weather goes away.
You can fill your list with absolutely anything. The ideas below are just suggestions to get you started. Feel free to add whatever else feels right.
Who is on Your List?
Every good summer bucket list starts with community. You need to think about the kind of people you want to spend your time with. Because who doesn’t need a couple of besties to explore with? Use these summer bucket list journal prompts to get the gang together.
Friends
Prompts about old friends, new friends, and maybe even ditch frenemies. Who could imagine a Hot Girl Summer without the right friends to share it with?
- Who did you spend the most time with during your summers in childhood?
- Who have you been meaning to spend more time with lately?
- Do you have a friend crush right now? How can you actively pursue that friendship?
- What does your ideal friend group look like? Does this match your reality?
- Check-in with your inner circle. Do you have friends you can confide in? Friends to have adventures with? Friends down for a cozy night in?
- Make a perfect day-out with friends. Choose a budget that suites you.
Family
You don’t need the holidays to have meaningful family connections. Try these prompts if you think a little family time might make or break your Summer. Just don’t forget to practice better boundaries with your journal!
- Does the idea of having more family time make you feel excited, dreadful, or something else?
- Did your family take any summer vacation trips (big or small) when you were a kid? How would you recreate them if you could?
- What level of family connection feels right to you at this point in time?
- Describe your ideal evening with family.
Self
If you thought summer fun would be a good excuse to ignore your personal time, think again. Self care (and self trust) will always be a staple of every summer bucket list.
- What is one small promise you would like to make yourself about this Summer?
- Do you prefer to spend alone time outside or inside? Why?
- How can you change your routine to give a little boost of *luxury* this Summer?
- What will you do with the extra hours of sun this Summer?
- Plan a day that is just for you. Commit to following that plan this Summer.
Where are You Going?
Vacations or staycations, every summer bucket list needs a few good destinations. The trick is finding the right balance between going outside and avoiding social burnout. Use these prompts to know the difference.
Going Outside
Obviously, we aren’t wasting the gorgeous summer sun on bed rotting. Absolutely not. Instead, you need to use your journal as a source of inspiration. These prompts are designed to break you out of your routine. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite spot.
- What is one place in your area that you’ve always wanted to see but haven’t? Why?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- Look up free events in your area. Which events are you interested in trying?
- How can you plan more events for you and your friends?
- What can you do to incorporate more outside time into your daily summer routine?
Staying In
Sometimes the Summer is so lovely that you get a little burnt and burnt out. These are what I call my “aloe days”. For those who struggle with journal perfectionism, these rest days can quickly feel like a waste if you don’t have a good plan. Fortunately, your journal can help you think ahead and fill your summer bucket list with restorative things. TL;DR you are worth no matter what!
- List all of the movies and shows you want to catch up on?
- Describe the perfect lazy day.
- How does it feel when you have a do-nothing day? Why?
- What activities always restore your energy and optimism?
- What do you love about your home? Why?
- What are some projects you want to do to improve your space/ life?
What Will You Do?
This is what most people think of when they make a summer bucket list. The who and the where are cool and all, but WHAT are we doing? With these prompts, the sky is the limit. Maybe you’ll start a new hobby or face an old fear. Whatever you do, make sure it pushes you towards your dream life.
Experiment
Of course, you gotta step out of your comfort zone in your summer bucket list. The whole idea of doing something before “kicking the bucket” was supposed to inspire your wildest dream. More often than not, those wild dreams are things we’ve never tried before. That is…until this Summer. These journal prompts will definitely draw out those crazy ideas.
- What is a cuisine you’ve always wanted to try? What interests you about it?
- Do you think you are not a “sports person”, “arts person”, etc.? How can you challenge that belief?
- If money was not an object, what is the craziest thing you’d do? Is there a budget friendly version of this activity?
- Do you often decline or bail on invitations? If yes, why? What would happen if you followed through more often?
- What do you think “cooler people” do during the Summer? What stops you from trying it yourself?
- Pretend you are your 80-year-old self and sharing stories with your grandkids. Write out a story about your best Summer ever (hint: pretend it’s this upcoming one.)
Tried and True
What works, works. Why fight it? There is something to be said about keeping old traditions alive in your summer bucket list. When drafting up your ultimate list this Summer, make sure you mark down the things that make every Summer feel “complete”. To wrap up these summer bucket list prompts, here’s a bit of nostalgia to connect you to that summer-feeling.
- Fill in the blank: “it’s not Summer until I have….”
- What is you favorite Summer tradition?
- As a kid, what did you love about Summer? How can you recreate that now?
- What was your favorite Summer so far? What made it special?
