Tsh Oxenreider
About the Author

Tsh Oxenreider is the author of Notes From a Blue Bike and the founder of The Art of Simple. She's host of The Simple Show, and her passion is to inspire people that 'living simply' means making room for more of the stuff that really matters, and that the right,...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. I love this idea. Such a good reminder! I just had my first child (she is now 6 weeks!) and while I am now a full time homemaker I do feel it is important for my sanity and mental health to schedule some “summer break” time in my days. I hope to read a few books and take regular walks around the neighborhood. Starting now!

  2. Time away with hubby, for sure. Kids spending time at grandparents’ for a couple weeks. Read, read, read. Earlier bed time needs to become a must for myself this summer! And yes, some sort of exercise routine that is doable and enjoyable. 🙂

  3. Thank you! I have been struggling with this for the last 2 weeks……feeling overwhelmed and under-charged because it’s summer and there are kids here all day every day (my part time job is teaching kids and I watch a couple kids at home to make ends meet, too!). I think it’s time I let go of the idea that the house needs to be cleaned every day, and remember my mind and body needs some love, too!

  4. I love that Tsh! Good for you, and I’m amazed your working on a new book already. 😉
    I cut back on all of my online commitments for the summer and I already feel better. I’m just crafting, painting just for me, and writing when my heart is led. My family is already loving me not on the computer :).

    Thanks for the great reminder.

    • Oh goodness, this book has been on my to-do list for years already. It might seem like I just wrote a book, but it honestly has been awhile. 🙂

      Your summer sounds lovely!

  5. Yes, yes, yes!! Last summer my husband had the distinct blessing of a 4-week sabbatical from his job. We rented a cottage on a lake for the entire month and just rested. Needless to say, it was wonderful. This summer he doesn’t have four weeks off, but did manage to get two weeks back-to-back, so we’re headed back to the same cottage. We cannot wait! And the best part? No internet! 🙂

  6. And don’t start to actually wear yourself out before taking your health and well being seriously and giving it priority, also once you learn this as a habit don’t let it fall to the wayside or let others resentment steal it or your joy – our lifestyles, our decisions, or spiritual contentment can be an inspiration so ‘guard your hearts for out of it spring a wellspring if life’.
    Beautiful blog today but so happy you will take a break .. may God bless this time for you and yours.

  7. I love this post (and the one on SimpleMom as well). I respect and would love to emulate your decision to step away for six weeks in terms that translate to my life. It’s so healthy and also so undervalued in today’s terms.

    Between the words you’ve shared and Renee’s words at FIMBY lately they have my full attention. We’re coming off an incredibly busy couple of weeks on top of an also very full school year at home (most of which was self-induced if I’m honest).

    Everything within me knows I need to put on the brakes. My plan is to ride out the rest of what we’ve committed to and then find some space to regroup heading forward….beginning next Tuesday. 🙂

    Thank you. I hope that these six weeks grant you the space to be creative, to live well alongside your kids and husband and to fill your lungs with deep and rich summer air.

    Take care.
    Cari

    • “Everything within me knows I need to put on the brakes.”

      I know exactly what you mean, Cari, and this is exactly how I feel. Thanks for your kind words, and may you find rest this summer as well.

  8. I’ve already mentioned this in a comment at SM, but our family is taking a workation to CA for my husband’s work.

    This has been absolutely THE best thing for us EVER!!!! It has given us an amazing perspective on life. One of those things is- we need to rest more, and we need to help one another as a married couple to let the other parent just have a break.

    Yesterday he took the day off so that we could celebrate my birthday. We went to Malibu and had lunch by the sea, and then went to the Getty Villa. It was amazing. He took the kids so that I could look at pieces of art and actually read about what I was looking at. I felt like a new person after we were done.

    I completely agree with you on this Tsh!! BTW I cannot wait for your next book to come out!!!!

  9. I have a bit of a forced rest this summer, I’ve just lost my job. My salary has always been the primary, or largest salary in the home so it had a significant shock component. We realized though, that my severance package is very generous, our kids are grown and well settled in their lives, so we are treating what started as a hardship as a blessing. DH is a teacher and his summer begins next week — this will be the first time in our 32 year marriage that we will both be home! (Well, except the 2 week paternity leaves he was able to take back in the dark ages). He is VERY GOOD at taking the summer to relax so I hope to take his lead and just dance.

    • My husband lost his job of 17 years last summer. (Business closed the doors). we have 4 kids at home and one with need of some therapies ($$) Be prepared for some great lessons from the Lord! I was blessed with a new found freedom in spending (and saving of stuff in case of a rainy day)) – I think I was most surprised with the lessons He has taught me and certainly blessed!

  10. Tsh, These are great ideas! LOVE them! I am definitely going to implement a few of them. This summer we have put a weekly time away for me and it has made a huge difference. Just a couple of hours does wonders! Have a great break!

  11. I really need this! 4 kids, preschool thru high school and homeschooling, therapies, sports, couponing – I find myself so hyped up I don’t know how to sit still anymore! Without “permission” to take some time, I am sure I just won’t do it…..and even with a plan to get some down time, I am still uncertain it will actually happen! I better start out small 🙂

  12. Rest is also important, even if you don’t have kids. Sometimes life can get busy with just getting up early, exercise, housework, driving to work, errands, commitments, etc.
    Love the idea of date days with hubby alone. I will try to schedule one a month with him.

    Great Post!

  13. Great ideas to slow down. Bellingham boasts of slow & take it all in during these summer months.
    Ben and I celebrated 10 years this past week, but he planned a day long extravaganza for us in early July (I’ll be about 35 weeks pregnant then). We have another planned getaway for the night while the girls enjoy G&G.

    I have an all day ladies excursion. It’s interesting when having a summer baby (both of mine were winter), because it is like living each moment to the fullest, my carpe diem summer. During the days also taking in sunshine when we get it with the girls. Read some, write some & then labor.

  14. Tsh,
    Such a good reminder!
    Summer are my busy time at work…but we cram some days in. Three day weekends here or there can make all of the difference.

    I love to get lost. Literally. In the days before GPS systems I would simply drive till I was in the middle of farmland – the intersection of corn and soybeans. Then, I’d find my way home.

    I just love falling off the map.
    ~ Dana
    CookingAtCafeD

  15. For the last 5 years I have had the priveledge of having a job where I have had both July and August off (not so great on the budget tho). I’ve loved being able to travel, hike and play with my family and friends. It’s been busy but I’ve headed back to work revitalized and ready to jump in to work once again in the fall. This summer is very different… I started July off with abdominal surgery and have a complete R & R recovery time of 6 – 8 weeks…. At 10 days in I’m still in the twice a day “nap” mode but just so thankful to be able to rest and completely slow down…. time to think, reflect, and renew both body and spirit…. Not sure how I stumbled onto this site but it is perfect for where I am right now 🙂