July 2024 Intentions

This post initially appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 7/1/24.

Happy start of a new MONTH and new WEEK! This year, January 1 fell on a Monday AND July 1 (today) is also a Monday. How fun!

It’s also the start of new fiscal quarter too, so lots of fresh starts all around. Which feels right since July marks the halfway mark for our calendar year. Technically ‘halfway day’ is July 2… so, as of tomorrow, we will be halfway through 2024! How does that feel for you?

For me, I feel a bit surprised that half of the year has passed, but when I take a step back and reflect on all that’s happened, I guess it feels right?

In general, I like using the reminder that we’re halfway through the year as a catalyst to reflect on the upcoming months and my plans for the rest 2024.

And of course, one of my favorite ways to ensure progress bit by bit is with my monthly goal setting practice! I love taking a beat, recognizing what’s happening this month, and deciding how I want to spend my time.  

If you are looking for a way to channel your fresh start energy this Monday (and first day of the month and first day of Q3), consider following along with the below questions and thinking about what you need and want this July!

What do I love about July?

• Summer in the city. Nothing better than the long, sun-drenched days post-summer solstice. Chicago really shines in July and I am here for it!  
• Fourth of July! Growing up, I always loved Fourth of July because it meant I was at my grandma’s surrounded by family, but I’m starting to love my current version of the patriotic holiday as well! This will be the second year Matt and I just hang out in Chicago, and I love going for a long walk around beautiful, sunny Chicago, watching fireworks display on TV, and enjoying the day off work.
• The summer mentality. Things just feel easier in the summer, and I want to appreciate the season and the summer mentality in those around me.

Anything unique happening this July?

• I’m not traveling at all this July. Looking forward to the trips and visitors I have coming up, but I’m SO excited to be staying put this month. I think I might be a bit of a homebody?   
• I have a few days off work for the Fourth (Thursday and Friday, yay!) and I’m off the last week in July. Excited to use the time off work to rest and recharge.
• I’m thankful that I’m not in the midst of a move this month. I keep thinking about how this time last year Matt and I were in the thick of moving (packing, unpacking, selling furniture, buying furniture). I’m appreciating that we’re not doing that this year and that I’m so, so, so happy to be in our apartment.

July 2024 Intentions:

• Check in on annual goals. With it being halfway through 2024, it is the perfect time to revisit these aims I set in January.
• Read every day in July. I am working through my summer reading list and look forward to reading every day this month.  
• Start my summer 2024 running plan! When I trained for my half marathon last year, I found I loved having a training plan (shocker, right?). I really liked just checking at my chart and allowing that to direct what kind of run I would do. Even though I’m not running a race this year, I decided to repurpose my plan for this summer running season as well! It kicks off today.
• Get ready for visitors in August. So excited to do some hosting in August, but need to do some prep beforehand.
• Stay off social media for the month. When it comes to social media habits, I’ve learned I have an all-or-nothing mentality. And as much as I love it, I also recognize that when I’m not in the habit of scrolling, time feels richer. It goes by slower. I’m more likely to pick up a book, go on a walk, call a friend. I feel more relaxed. All things I want for July .

Hope you have a wonderful Monday & start to the month!