When we think about the year, we each break it down in our own way.
Some think in quarters.
Some in seasons.
Some follow school calendars.
For me, the year has five distinct segments:
- Segment 1 (January – March): New Year Energy
- Segment 2 (April – Memorial Day): Celebration Season (birthdays, showers, spring events)
- Segment 3 (Memorial Day – Labor Day): The Summer Stretch
- Segment 4 (Labor Day – November 15): Back-to-School Energy
- Segment 5 (November 15 – December 31): Celebration and Reflection
NOTE: When my kids were young, segment 2 ended on the last day of school (mid-June).
My Perspective
Each segment has its own rhythm.
A different energy that influences how I work, live, and plan.
Segments 1 and 4 tend to be work-heavy.
The momentum is strong, and projects move fast.
Segments 2 and 5 are more social.
They’re full of gatherings, celebrations, and year-end wrap-ups.
But Segment 3?
That one’s different.
Summer slows us down.
The world feels a bit softer.
Meetings get rescheduled.
Summer Fridays off become the norm.
It’s in this slower pace that something special happens:
There’s more space to dream.
More room to create.
And with a little intention, a chance to design your summer rhythm.
Finding Our Summer Rhythm
Summer rhythm isn’t about packing our calendars with plans.
It’s about choosing how our days feel.
Do we want our mornings to start slow, with coffee and a journal?
Do we want to take walks at sunset?
Plan a weekly photo quest?
Visit the farmers market on Saturdays?
Now’s the time to shape our days.
Not to cram them full, but to let them breathe.
To make space for both rest and inspiration.
Your Turn
How do you divide your year?
What energy does summer bring you?
What rhythm do you want to create for the season ahead?