The Scottish school holidays are almost here and I keep finding myself asking the same question:
What are we actually doing this summer?
The answer, surprisingly, is...
Not a huge amount.
And honestly?
I'm completely fine with that.
Last year was a big year for us. We packed a lot in, made lots of memories and spent plenty of time rushing from one thing to the next.
This year feels different.
The girls are now 15 and 16, which means we've officially entered a new chapter of family life.
Camping trips?
Let's just say the enthusiasm levels aren't quite what they used to be.
In fact, I think it's fair to say that the amount of planning required to organise some family activities is now directly linked to how little the teenagers want to be there.
Parents of teenagers, you'll understand.
And that's okay.
Because the older they get, the more I've realised that summer doesn't have to look the way it used to.
For years, I thought a successful summer needed a big holiday, packed diaries and endless plans.
Now I'm not so sure.
These days, the things I'm looking forward to most are actually much simpler.
A sunny afternoon in the garden.
A walk along the beach.
A trip into Edinburgh.
Lunch somewhere nice.
The girls disappearing off shopping together.
An ice cream by the sea.
A few spontaneous days out when the weather decides to behave itself.
The truth is, we live in a pretty special part of the world.
We're lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, coastal walks, lovely villages and one of the most incredible cities in the world just down the road.
And yet, like most people, I sometimes forget that.
It's funny how often we spend our lives looking somewhere else for the perfect summer while overlooking what's right in front of us.
I'm not saying holidays aren't wonderful.
Of course they are.
But I do think there's something lovely about taking the pressure off.
Not every summer has to be the best summer ever.
Not every week has to be packed with activities.
Not every day needs a plan.
Sometimes the best memories are made when nobody is trying too hard.
A trip for fish and chips.
A walk along the harbour.
A lazy afternoon in the garden.
A coffee in the sunshine while everyone is finally doing their own thing.
Maybe it's my age.
Maybe it's having teenagers.
Maybe it's just life.
But these days I'm finding myself drawn more towards slower summers than busy ones.
And perhaps that's not settling for less.
Perhaps it's finally appreciating what we've got.
So if your summer isn't packed with flights, itineraries and colour-coded plans, you're not alone.
I'm embracing a quieter summer this year.
And I have a feeling it might end up being exactly what we need.
Jo x
