The 4th of July was a family picnic with games and sparklers and every generation hanging out by the tennis court. Looking back on those celebrations, they feel almost old fashioned now – a simple gathering. Nothing was perfect…it was not done for the ‘picture to post.’ It was done to mark the moment in time, to celebrate our country – Family. Life. Liberty. The pursuit of happiness. American flags proudly hung.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this summer—and maybe it’s time we had a summer like when we were little. It could be the energy of celebrating 250 years of this country we call home, or maybe it’s just that pull to be together again. Outside, in the sun, saying yes to everything. Either way, I’m leaning into an old-fashioned summer.
Of course, I will still be doing all the fun Jane Win things. It’s hard to call it work because I love it so much, but I work in the morning and have fun in the afternoon. When I’m not working, I want to play. I want to wake up and take a long walk, spend hours on the lake swimming, play tennis, hang with friends on the dock – and the best part – I plan for NO TV and LIMITED phone screens. Is it even possible? I am ready to try!
Lately, I’ve found myself craving the simplest things. First and foremost, a table full of family and friends where no one is in a hurry to leave. Our kids come and go from our house in the summer – descending with friends and late nights filled with family games at the table. I want mornings that start early because we’re excited for the day ahead, and nights that end with that delicious kind of exhaustion—when you fall into bed knowing you really lived it. The chaos, the laughter, the planning and re-planning, the group texts, the “what are we doing tonight?” energy.
So, here is my little summer promise to myself:
Say yes more, worry less, get outside, stay up late, wake up early, and be tired at the end of every single day for all the right reasons. Celebrate an old-fashioned 4th of July (YES, our 250th!). If there’s ever been a summer to go all in, it’s this one.
Tons of love and xx Janie
