A new question for your summer

And like that. Summer. 

Summer. It’s. Here. 

The question I keep hearing. 

Do you have anything fun planned for the summer? 

The small talk question that makes a lot more sense than asking you:

• What does Memorial Day actually mean to you? 

• What’s something that brought you joy this week? 

• What’s been irking you? 

Do you have anything fun planned for the summer? 

Now, I literally have a pin that says “professional schmoozer.” I have asked this question to strangers, friends, family… And I’ve been asked this question by medical providers, colleagues, beloved pals…. 

And some years that question can make me want to go cry in a corner. 

I’m stressed to figure out the plans and to find the just right person to join me on an adventure. 

And some years that question can make me want to break out a twirly dress and dance about . 

I’m overjoyed to finally reconnect with an old friend and attend the wedding of dear ones…

It totally depends on the year. And circumstances naturally can impact how I feel, even if gurus espouse not letting you lose sight of this juicy life when things personally feel off course.  

So, how are you taking this question, hun?  “Do you have anything fun planned for the summer?” I encourage you to take a moment and put the question down. Throw it away at least for just a moment. 

Instead, can you invite in a juicier question to connect you to your heart’s desires?

☀️What are you, beautiful soul, hoping to cultivate this summer? 

🌱What do you desire to nurture in your life in these days of extended sunlight? 

💗How can you be tender with your heart, hopes and desires in this season of life? 

If you’re like me. Hopping into the bike saddle and taking a ride or lacing up my sneakers and going for a run, can allow these questions to percolate. 

Or perhaps, taking your journal to nature to reflect for a few minutes might give you clarity. 

Or maybe, picking up the phone and dialing up a loved one can give you a vulnerable space to speak your truths together.

You get to choose the quality you want to grow in your garden of life. 

It’s not a guarantee that that is what’s going to grow. You will however have a better understanding if what’s growing aligns with what you were trying to sow and to shift gears if things are out of alignment. 

So as you take pause.

Why not invite in your 3rd grade self and do a little mad libs.

And fill in the blank. What IS the adjective, the quality, you wish people were asking you in that question.

Do you have anything ________ planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything restful planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything healing planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything energizing planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything communal planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything challenging planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything lazy planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything courageous planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything routine planned for the summer?

• Do you have anything curious planned for the summer?

Drop me a line at retreats@circleandspoke.com . I’d love to hear what you are cultivating! 

Wheels up, 

Ellen

PS- Circle and Spoke is headed to Harper’s Ferry on Sunday, July 14th for Pedal, Paddle, Pause: An Outdoor Escape.

It’s going to be a day filled with rest, healing, adventure, challenge, community and so much more, as we get a little wet & wild. I’d love to hear from you today in this quick survey, so an offering aligns best with this community’s needs.

As a thank you, if you fill out the survey before June 1st and attend on July 14th, you’ll get a second entry into a raffle we do at the end of each ride!