Discover Charm City

Before we jump into my post, I want to share a real-life example of how time can slip away if we’re not careful. This post has been sitting in my drafts since April 8th, just waiting for some edits, pictures, and examples. But, you know how it goes, time got away from me. And worst of all, those beautiful April days passed by without me fully taking advantage of them like I could have if I had just gotten my act together.

But hey, dwelling on missed opportunities won’t get us anywhere! Let’s make sure we don’t let May slip by too!

April (now May) is in full swing, and as we enter the second ( well now actually the 1st week of May) week, it’s prime time to start mapping out your summer plans. With the days getting longer and the weather warming up, it’s easy for time to slip away if you don’t set clear intentions for the experiences you want to enjoy.

April (same with May in Maryland) is one of those months that can be tricky. Cold and rainy one day, then bright and sunny the next. That’s why it’s time to start brainstorming and laying out a rough plan for your upcoming adventures, dining experiences, date ideas, solo explorations, day trips, weekend getaways, and days that you plan to just chill out and read a good book. It’s time to prepare and keep idea in your back pocket, ready to pull them out when the moment strikes. If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to freeze up and forget all those exciting things you’ve been itching to do.

Not this year! This year I am doing all the things. So, let the planning begin.

The first thing I do is a brain dump—I just scribble down every idea that pops into my head for stuff I could do between May and September. Personally, I keep it real with myself and only list things that are achievable for me in the moment. Your version of “achievable” might differ, and that’s totally cool. While some might be ale to jetting off to Japan in June without much planning time, my wallet’s not quite on board with that plan— if yours is, AMAZING!

Alright, once you’ve writing down all you fun ideas, let’s keep it manageable. Take, for example, the idea of going to a local restaurant for a sunny day happy hour with friends. Start by picking just one spot, then glance at your calendar and select a date. Make sure to mark it down so it’s locked in.

About a week before your chosen day, check the weather, adjust date if needed, shoot out a few texts or DM’s to friends and acquaintances. You don’t need a tight-knit group; just pick people with good energy. By inviting without expecting everyone to show, you take the pressure off yourself.

If going solo isn’t your thing, make sure at least one person is committed to joining you. Otherwise, send a text like this: “Hey! I’m hitting up the happy hour at [restaurant/bar]. They’ve got a killer patio and margaritas I can’t resist! I’m going on [chosen date] from 5-7pm. Swing by if you can, no worries if not. Catch you next time!” –

Let’s tackle the idea of a day trip or road trip, just like we’d plan a happy hour outing. Pick a random weekend that’s wide open on your calendar. LOCK IT IN, then dive into the planning! And if solo adventures aren’t your cup of tea, get at least one person committed.

For instance, I’ve been talking about visiting Lancaster, PA for ages! But have I actually gone? Nope, because I haven’t simply blocked off a random Saturday on my calendar to make it happen. This year, I’ve set a date. I’m totally cool with embarking on this adventure solo, though my husband is welcome to join if he wants. I may invite a few friends who enjoy farmers markets, small-town shops, ice cream, and leisurely strolls. Remember, not all your friends are into the same things, so don’t get discouraged. You’ll get better at knowing who’s down for what.

Most importantly, just make the plan, then extend the invite. You’ve got to create the experience you want. Here’s an example text you could send: “Hey! Are you free on either Saturday or Sunday the weekend of May 17th? I’m thinking about heading up to Lancaster, PA for a quick day trip. I’ve got a few ideas of what to do, but I’m mostly going with the flow and using things I found on TikTok as a guide. Would you be interested in joining me to explore for the day?”

This year, I’m adding another “list” that will be saved in my phone notes—names of family, friends, and acquaintances I want to catch up with. You know, those spontaneous moments when you decide to hit up happy hour, an outdoor concert, or a winery and realize you should’ve invited some old pals we haven’t seen in ages. It’s the classic scenario—we get to wherever we are going and say, “Oops! Should’ve called so-and-so!” Happens every time. Do you ever experience that? Haha! Creating this list will be helpful.

All I want is for both of us to have a summer filled with new memories, where we truly make the most of the season. Personally, I rely on summer and its sunlight to keep me fueled during the winter months. The more time I spend outdoors or with awesome people, the better I feel heading into winter. But it all takes planning. Don’t wait for someone else to create an unforgettable summer for you. YOU have to make it happen!

Until Next Time

xoxo

Alysha