Summer’s Permission Slip: Saying Yes, Saying No, Saying You First
Hello friends! 😎
I’m arriving a little later than usual—real life (and real family time) took the front seat for a couple of beautiful weeks. And honestly? That’s the heart of what we’ve been talking about: saying No and Yes with intention.
No to the pressure of being constantly "on." Yes to presence, connection, and the joy of letting things wait.
So here’s your summer permission slip—plus a few reflections, mindset prompts, and personal picks to spark something nourishing. Whether you’re savoring slow mornings or navigating big changes, this season is yours to shape.
🔄 A Summer That Serves You
Seasonal Reframe Prompts
Maybe you’re not into pool parties or sleeveless tops, but what if summer became less about how you look—and more about how you feel?
What if slowing down wasn’t lazy, but luxurious?
What if rest, exploration, and fun weren’t rewards for being productive—but reasons in themselves? Summer can be a season of soft rebellion—of choosing joy, lightness, and permission over pressure.
Let’s rethink what summer can mean now, in this chapter of life. Less hustle, more intention.
Take a moment with these:
- What does summer freedom look like for me now?
- Where can I trade pressure for pleasure?
- What are 3 things I genuinely want to do this season?
- What’s something I should do—but might lovingly let go?
- If this season had a theme song, what would it be?
My theme song for the summer is: “Wide Open Spaces” by The Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks). It’s all about freedom, finding yourself, and having the courage to make space for something new. I love the open-road, summer-freedom kind of vibe; gentle but empowering.
Here are some songs to get you thinking:
1. “Let It Go” – James Bay
Letting go of what’s expected to make room for what feels true.
2. “Follow Your Arrow” – Kacey Musgraves
Playful but pointed. A midlife reminder that no matter what you do, someone will judge—so follow your arrow.
3. “Simple Life” – Carolyn Arends (less mainstream but poignant)
A gentle reminder that joy doesn’t have to be big or loud. A song about permission to embrace a quieter, truer pace.
4. “It’s Time” – Imagine Dragons
For when you’re ready to change… but in a way that still feels like you.
5. “Free” – Zac Brown Band
Acoustic and breezy. Great for a summer that’s about unwinding and remembering what matters.
6. “Wildflowers” – Tom Petty
“You belong among the wildflowers…” A soft anthem for anyone reclaiming space to grow freely.
7. “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine
Energetic and cathartic—feels like breaking free from old expectations.
8. "Walking on Sunshine" – Katrina & The Waves
For a season of joy, spontaneity, and doing things just for the fun of it.
9. "Good as Hell" – Lizzo
Bold, confident, and a little sassy—perfect if you're reclaiming your time and energy.
Hit “Reply” to this email and let me know your seasonal song. I’ll compile a list to share in the next newsletter!
🌞 Judy’s Summer Picks
A few things bringing lightness, clarity, and joy this season:
- Current read: Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten — a warm, wise reminder that it’s never too late to say yes to something new and taking risks at any age.
- Up next: We Just Might Make It After All by Elyce Arons — (Just released) a moving memoir of friendship, fashion, creativity, and rebuilding after heartbreak, told through the lens of her deep bond with Kate Spade.
- Morning ritual I’m loving: Stepping outside with coffee, listening to the birds, and checking on the garden.
- Favorite reset snack: Watermelon chunks straight from the fridge, eaten with fingers.
- Tool I keep returning to: The “Do I want to?” test before saying Yes to anything. (It’s surprisingly clarifying.)
Your turn—what’s one summer favorite you’re savoring right now?
❓THIS or THAT: SUMMER EDITION
A bit of playful fun and a breezy way to tune into what feels like you this season.
Choose your vibe:
☀️ Iced coffee or iced herbal tea?
🌊 Ocean or lake?
🏕️ Road trip or staycation?
📚 Summer romance novel or juicy memoir?
🧭 Summer reset or summer hustle?
💬 Saying Yes to adventure or Saying No to overbooking?
😎Sun or shade?
🌄Sunrise or sunset?
🍦Ice cream or S’mores?
Hit reply and tell me your top three—I’d love to share a few favorites in the next newsletter!
“Help, my flight is delayed!”
If you are taking to the skies this summer, beware of airline delays. It seems like a common occurrence these days to experience some sort of delay during our air travel. This article shares some tips from travel experts to help you navigate if your travel plans go awry.
🧠 Mini-Mindset: Yes, No, and You
A few gentle reminders as we move into July:
Saying No is a boundary.
Saying Yes is an opening.
Saying Yes to yourself is where everything starts.
“You’re allowed to choose ease over obligation, alignment over approval.”
☀️ July Office Hours: “Reclaiming Joy”
Tuesday, July 1st
🕘 9:00 AM PST
This is a free monthly gathering just for subscribers— It's a casual, supportive space to reflect, reset, and reconnect with your mindset in the second half of life.
We'll check in, share a summer “yes”, explore our seasonal rhythm, and end with a personal takeaway for reclaiming joy. Bring your questions, a friend—or just bring yourself.
➡️Here’s your Zoom link to join us!
FINAL THOUGHTS
As we close out June and step fully into summer’s rhythm, I hope this newsletter gave you a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself, your energy, and what you want this season to be about.
Whether you’re leaning into joy, rest, creativity, or change, remember: you get to choose what this summer stands for. Let it feel like you.
And if you’re still figuring that out? You’re not behind. You’re right on time.
💬 I’d love to hear from you—what’s your summer song? Your current summer favorite? Your top 3 from the This or That list? Hit reply and let me know… I’ll be sharing your responses in the next issue.
And if you want to talk it through live, I’d love to see you tomorrow at our next Office Hours, July 1st.
Until then—here’s to a season that feels just right! ☺️
With warmth and sunshine,
Judy
PS: Been feeling pulled in too many directions this summer? Whether you're navigating an empty nest, career shift, or redefining what purpose means in this season, I've got coaching options that can meet you where you are on my website.
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