May Light List
This essay appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 5/18/26. Subscribe here!
Three Steps to a Happier Monday
Before we dive into a new week, let’s pause and ask ourselves some simple questions to reflect on where we’ve been, get excited about something today and set an intention for the week ahead.
GRATITUDE: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend?
TODAY: What’s one thing I can be excited about today?
INTENTION: What is my intention for this week?
For me, I’m thankful for walks outside, great naps for Ben and a slower overall pace! Today, I’m most excited to order a few outdoor items for our backyard this summer. And my intention for the week is to focus on nourishment.
Okay, your turn! And if you want to share, I am all ears. 🙂
Monday Musings: Light List Vol. 5
Welcome to Volume 5 of The Light List: a monthly, running list of things making life feel lighter lately.
This month’s Light List is all about thinking ahead to summer because that is what’s been on my radar lately! Every May, I get the itch to “design my summer” – taking some time to think intentionally about how I want to experience the season ahead.
I’ve always loved summer, but truthfully, my day-to-day life doesn’t dramatically change once Memorial Day weekend hits. Yet, I always crave a slight shift in rhythm this time of year. I want to take advantage of the long days, warm weather and all the little things that feel uniquely summery. I’ve been having fun brainstorming what this summer might look like.
But first, let’s start with a reading catch-up.+ Recently, I read The Flatshare and loved it. Save this one for the next time you need a feel-good rom-com. It’s cute, funny and set in London (which I always love in a book). Even though it’s light and uplifting, it also explores some heavier themes with a lot of heart. Both main characters were incredibly likable, which always makes a book so much more enjoyable to me.
+ Then, after a bit of a reading rut, I’m happy to report I’m loving the books I’m currently reading: Big Time by Laura Vanderkam and Annie Knows Everything by Rachel Wood.
+ Reading books by Laura Vanderkam always feels like an exhale to me. I love her perspective on time and her belief that we do have time for the things that matter most. This book is already giving me a few positive ideas and mindset shifts I’m excited to incorporate into daily life.
+ And Annie Knows Everything is such a fun read so far. It always feels slightly risky recommending a book before finishing it, but I’ve just started it and am already loving the banter and chemistry between the characters. Like The Flatshare, it’s one of those books where you genuinely enjoy spending time with the people on the page.
Summer reading list brainstorming
+ Thinking ahead to summer, one of my favorite rituals is creating a summer reading list. There’s just something about “beach read season” that feels fun! Here are a few titles I have my eye on:
- Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
- Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
- This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
- Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
- Paris Match by Kate Clayborn
- Happy Ending by Chloe Liese
- The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
- God of the Woods by Liz Moore (a book I started last year but never finished!)
- The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower
+ And here are a few fun resources if you want to make your own summer reading list:
Summer planning
+ Speaking of summer planning, I also loved this podcast episode about intentionally planning your summer. It’s fun to hear about other people’s plans for the season and think about what sounds exciting, relaxing or meaningful in your own life.
What’s been on your radar lately? Any summer reading recs or plans? I’d love to hear about it!
That’s all for today! I hope you found something in today’s newsletter that sparked motivation, made you smile or inspired a positive Monday thought. Don’t underestimate the power of starting small… a fulfilling week starts with one fulfilling moment. You’ve got this!
Let’s make it a great Monday!
Megan